KR20030029513A - Liquid container, liquid supplying apparatus, and recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A liquid container, a liquid supplying apparatus, and a recording apparatus are provided to prevent liquid from leaking out through an air introducing section for use or storage and to maintain stable negative pressure characteristics regardless of the phase of the consumption of liquid. CONSTITUTION: A liquid container comprises a containing portion defining a containing space(S) for liquid; a liquid supply portion forming a liquid supply port for supplying liquid contained in the containing portion to the outside; a one-way valve(30) arranged on the containing portion for allowing an introduction of gas into the containing space from outside, and preventing a leakage of liquid and gas to the outside; and a mechanism having a function for keeping or expanding a capacity of the containing space. The liquid supply portion is disposed to the containing portion. The one-way valve controls a negative pressure in the containing space caused by consumption of liquid in the containing portion.

Description

LIQUID CONTAINER, LIQUID SUPPLYING APPARATUS, AND RECORDING APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to a liquid container, a liquid supply device and a recording device, and an ink jet cartridge, for example, for supplying a liquid such as ink to a recording head or pen as a recording section in an effective and stable manner.

An ink jet recording apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium by applying ink, ie, liquid, to the recording medium using a liquid consuming or using device such as an ink jet recording head, by ejecting ink while moving the recording head with respect to the recording medium. An apparatus for forming an image and an apparatus for forming an image by discharging ink while moving a recording medium with respect to a recording head fixed in reverse.

A method of supplying ink to a recording head used in such an ink jet recording apparatus is mounted integrally or detachably with a recording head carried by a carriage in which the ink tank is moved back and forth (main scanning), and ink is recorded from the ink tank. It includes a method referred to as an on-carriage method fed directly to the head. Another method, referred to as a tube feeding method, in which the ink tank is fixed in an area of the recording apparatus other than the carriage when the main body is separated from the recording head carried by the carriage, and ink is supplied by joining the ink tank and the recording head through a flexible tube. There is a way. This method is constructed in which a second ink tank which acts as an intermediate tank (sub tank) between the ink tank (main tank) and the recording head is mounted on the recording head or carriage and ink is supplied directly from the second ink tank to the recording head. It includes.

According to these methods, the negative pressure equilibrates with the pressure in the recording head so that the ink tank for supplying ink directly to the recording head has a meniscus formed in the ink ejecting section to satisfactorily prevent the ink from leaking from the ink ejecting section. And a mechanism for generating an appropriate negative pressure within a range in which the ink ejection operation of the recording head can be performed.

In this type of negative pressure generating mechanism, a porous member such as a sponge into which ink is permeated is embedded in the ink tank, and an appropriate negative pressure is generated by the ink holding capacity of the porous member.

In another mechanism, a bag-shaped member formed of a material such as rubber having elasticity and generating tension in the direction of increasing volume is already filled with ink, and the tension generated by the bag-shaped member exerts negative pressure therein. .

In another mechanism, the bag-shaped member is formed using a flexible membrane, and a spring for pressing the membrane in the direction of increasing the volume of the bag-shaped member is coupled to the inside or outside of the membrane to generate a negative pressure.

However, in any of the above mechanisms, the negative pressure tends to increase as the amount of ink in the ink tank is reduced, and it becomes impossible to stably supply ink to the recording head when the negative pressure level exceeds a predetermined value. This is a problem in that the ink tank becomes unstable before the ink is completely used.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 3-024900 (1991) is constituted by a flexible closed bag-shaped member which can store ink directly therein and be deformable according to the amount of ink stored, and the spring member is bag-shaped. Disclosed is a structure of an ink tank of a type provided in a member. Since the negative pressure is basically determined so that the spring force and the force due to the negative pressure (or the difference between the atmospheric pressure and the negative pressure) are in equilibrium with each other, the negative pressure in the bag-shaped member is determined by the deformation of the spring as a result of ink consumption. Increases with progress with deformation. This is a problem in that the negative pressure increases beyond the proper range in which the ink ejection operation of the recording head can be performed to prevent the formation of an appropriate meniscus in the ink ejection section of the recording head, and ink is not satisfactorily supplied to the recording head. Can be This also prevents the ink from being used completely.

Some ink tanks have a configuration in which the ink is stored in the bag-shaped member and its material and shape are appropriately selected to generate negative pressure by the bag-shaped member itself and flattened without space left inside when the ink is consumed completely, There is a limit to the shape of such a bag-shaped member. Therefore, when such an ink tank is configured to be embedded in a box-shaped housing, the shape of the bag-shaped member does not completely fit inside the housing even when filled with ink, and the volume efficiency of the ink tank is compared with the total space available therein. low. Further, such a bag-shaped member has a problem in that the performance of supplying ink to the recording head can be reduced and the ink ejection operation of the recording head can be unstable due to the high negative pressure when almost all of the ink is used.

Several mechanisms have been proposed to prevent the magnitude of the negative pressure from becoming excessively greater than a predetermined level as follows.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 7-125240 (1995) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 7-125241 (1995) disclose a hydrophobic membrane and tubular exhaust port provided in a tank and into the tank when the internal negative pressure increases. Disclosed is a mechanism in which a spherical body is disposed in a tube to introduce air. That is, these publications are provided on the inner wall of the boss so that a spherical body having a tubular exhaust port (boss) for communicating with the inside and outside of the container and having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the boss forms a generally annular orifice in the spherical body and the boss. A mechanism attached to a plurality of protruding ribs is disclosed. The size of this orifice is chosen such that a small amount of ink is retained in the orifice, such as a liquid seal, due to the capillary action of the ink. The orifice is configured such that the negative pressure in the container overcomes the capillary phenomenon of the ink so that the liquid seal cannot function when the negative pressure reaches the limit of the operating range of the recording head.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 6-183023 (1994) provides a plate-like member having a plate with holes and ridges facing each other in an ink bag constituted by a flexible sheet together with a spring member disposed between the plates. A mechanism is disclosed in which a ridge enters a hole and introduces air into a tank when the internal negative pressure exceeds a predetermined value such that the plate having the hole and the flexible sheet are separated from each other. In this mechanism, the plate with holes and the flexible sheet are in intimate contact with each other after the air is introduced, and leakage of ink is prevented by the ability to retain the ink seals or the liquid seal formed between these elements.

However, these methods require a plurality of parts in the area into which air is introduced, which complicates the structure of such a zone.

When the pressure in the container T having a certain amount of air introduced therein becomes extremely high as a result of ambient changes (a decrease in atmospheric pressure or a rise in temperature) as shown in Fig. 1 (a), the ink Ejected from the container as shown in (b), which may result in ink leaking through the ink discharge port N or the exhaust hole A when the container is used in the ink jet recording head. When the liquid is stored in the bag-shaped member constituted by the flexible sheet, although some buffering effect is expected to mitigate the internal pressure increase by the expansion of the flexible air causing the pressure reduction, this effect is limited. do.

In the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-125240 (1995) or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-125241 (1995), the closed system is a force generated from an ink meniscus formed in the region of the annular orifice. This is achieved by balancing the negative pressure provided by the overspring. Although the mechanical configuration is relatively simple, there is insufficient stability in maintaining a closed system. In particular, the stored ink may have a difference between internal and external air pressure, a decrease in ink viscosity due to an increase in the temperature of the ink, an impact or drop occurring when only the ink tank is handled, Problems arise in that they can leak due to breakage of the liquid seal due to various conditions such as acceleration and the like. Moreover, the liquid seal is vulnerable to humidity changes such as drying, which causes a change in the action of the air bubbles introduced and consequently reduces the quality of recording by reducing the ability to supply ink to the recording head.

The publications assume that an inlet maze, which acts as an overflow vessel and ensures a humidity gradient, is provided in contact with the boss to prevent these problems, but thus discloses a configuration in which the configuration is complicated. Moreover, since the other end of the labyrinth-shaped channel is always in communication with the atmosphere, some ink evaporation is inevitable.

When the ink in the container is used up completely, the outside air is suddenly introduced to remove the negative pressure in the container. This causes the ink remaining in the region of the recording head to leak through the discharge port, and the residual ink can leak through the annular orifice which no longer forms a meniscus.

Moreover, in these examples of the related art, an opening section for introducing air directly into the ink tank is provided. As a result, the amount of gas in the ink tank becomes relatively large in the area of the ink tank where the ink is almost all used depending on the size and position of the opening section, so that when the negative pressure is removed as a result of the introduction of the atmosphere, It may lead to incomplete retention of the meniscus and thus to leak of ink or incomplete introduction of the atmosphere.

In addition, liquid seals may be affected by a variety of conditions, such as the difference between the inside and outside air pressure of the vessel, the temperature rise of the droplets, the impact or drop that occurs when only the ink tank is handled, and the acceleration that occurs during the main scanning of the continuous recording method. Breakage may occur. This is a problem in that air can be introduced or ink can leak back even when the pressure in the container does not reach a predetermined value. Moreover, these conditions may vary depending on the design of the recording head and the ink tank or the physical properties of the ink, and also the design should be performed properly according to the shape and dimensions of the opening section and the basic configuration of the negative pressure generating mechanism depending on each mode of use. The problem arises.

The ink tank using the liquid seal for the air introduced introduces problems such as a reduction in the degree of freedom in the design of the recording apparatus in addition to the inherent problems as described above.

In particular, it is not easy to construct such a liquid seal section as an element separated from the ink tank, for example by being detachable from the ink tank. If the liquid seal section is provided as a separate element, the tube can be attached directly to the ink tank or to form the desired meniscus in the annular section as described above, taking into account factors such as pressure differences inside and outside the ink tank. Indirect connection of the elements to the ink tanks through the process will require complex process or device configurations.

When the liquid seal is provided at a position separated from the ink tank with the tube interposed therebetween, the tube must be filled with ink to form a meniscus on the liquid seal. However, when air is introduced through the liquid seal, the ink in the tube is returned to the ink tank, and as described above, complicated processes and configurations are required to refill the tube with ink.

The technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-183023 (1994) adopts a configuration in which air is introduced through a minute gap between the thin plate member and the flexible sheet. Since the force causing the above-mentioned separation is changed by the capillary force generated when the liquid is introduced at intervals, this leads to another problem in which negative pressure is inappropriately generated when air is introduced.

Moreover, in order to provide sufficient buffering function, a member having very low rigidity and easy deformation is used as the flexible member, so that the deformation of the flexible member itself when the gas (air) pressure in the container increases to raise the temperature Thereby relieving the internal pressure of the vessel by substantially increasing the volumetric capacity of the vessel.

However, the low stiffness material used as this flexible member has a small thickness and generally exhibits high permeability to the gas, allowing the gas to penetrate into the container due to the osmotic pressure of the gas. Since gas (air) can penetrate into the container beyond the handling by the buffering function to mitigate the expansion of the gas in the container, this results in poor performance of the buffering function if the liquid is retained in the container for a long time. . Therefore, it was necessary to use a very expensive material having a metal deposited on top of the material of the flexible member capable of achieving low rigidity and at the same time reducing gas permeability.

From the foregoing, the inventors have found that it is undesirable to remove the negative pressure in the liquid container by introducing air into the container and it is important to return the pressure to a predetermined negative pressure value. Moreover, the inventors believe that an appropriate amount of air should be introduced for this purpose.

In particular, when a liquid container is used as an ink tank providing directly to an ink jet recording head, it is essential to provide an appropriate amount of ink for performing high quality high speed recording at an appropriate flow rate. For this purpose, it is highly desirable to keep the resistance in the ink supply channel substantially constant against the flow of ink. Therefore, stabilization of the negative pressure in the ink tank is an important factor, and it is particularly important to maintain the negative pressure within a predetermined range. For this purpose, parts for introducing air must work reliably.

It is also important to allow the liquid to be stored in the container in a proper state by reducing the penetration of the gas into the container and reducing the chance of gas osmosis to these members to allow the stored liquid to be supplied stably.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and at least one of the following objects is achieved.

As a result of the liquid supply, the air can be supplied to the outside (e.g., the recording head) having an air inlet which maintains the negative pressure within an appropriate range by allowing the air to be introduced into the reservoir as the negative pressure increases therein and a portion generating the required negative pressure. In the construction of a reservoir of liquid (eg ink), the present invention makes it possible to prevent liquid from leaking through the air inlet in any use and storage environment and maintain stable negative pressure characteristics regardless of the state of consumption of the liquid. .

The present invention is reliably implemented at an appropriate timing at which the introduction of outside air maintaining a constant negative pressure in the liquid container stabilizes the negative pressure with higher reliability, and the leakage of liquid through the liquid supply port is prevented even from sudden changes in the surroundings. Provided is a liquid container (such as an ink tank) that prevents useless consumption of liquid, and also a liquid consuming device (such as an ink jet recording device) using a liquid container.

The present invention provides an ink tank having an underpressure regulating mechanism capable of solving the problems originally in the aforementioned ink tank by using liquid sealing, and in which the degree of freedom in designing a recording apparatus can be improved, an ink jet recording head, An ink jet cartridge having an ink tank and an ink jet recording head as an integral part, and an ink jet recording apparatus are provided.

The present invention provides a liquid container having a simple configuration that can alleviate the negative pressure change caused by the consumption of the liquid to stabilize the negative pressure, prevent leakage of the liquid through the liquid supply port even under sudden ambient changes, and can be manufactured at low cost. The present invention provides a liquid jet recording apparatus using a liquid container.

The present invention consists of a member having a high gas permeability and a flexible member, the liquid can be properly stored by reducing the osmotic chance of gas in such members to reduce the penetration of gas into the container, Provided is a liquid container in which stored liquid can be stably supplied, and the present invention also provides a recording apparatus using the same.

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage portion for forming a storage space for a liquid, a liquid supply port for supplying a liquid stored in the storage portion to the outside and provided to the storage portion, A mechanism having a function to maintain or expand a capacity of the storage space, and a one-way valve arranged in the storage portion to allow the introduction of gas into the storage space and to prevent leakage of gas and liquid to the outside; And the one-way valve is provided with a liquid container for controlling the negative pressure in the storage space resulting from consuming the liquid in the reservoir.

In the present specification, such a mechanism may include a movable member provided to move or deform at least a portion of the storage portion and pressing means for pressing the movable member in a direction in which the capacity of the storage space increases.

The reservoir may also be configured to have a flexible member deformable therein, such as a movable member, with the liquid present inside the flexible member in contact with the outer space.

A liquid use device is provided that is connectable to a liquid container according to the first aspect and uses liquid supplied from a storage space.

Further, there is provided a recording apparatus including means for using a liquid using apparatus having a configuration of a recording head for performing recording with ink supplied from a liquid container for storing ink as a liquid.

There is also provided an ink jet head cartridge comprising an ink jet head for discharging ink and a liquid container according to the first aspect for storing ink as a liquid supplied to the ink jet head.

In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid supply method for supplying liquid to the outside through a supply port formed in the storage portion from a storage portion forming a storage space for a liquid, and permits gas introduction from the outside into the storage space. Providing a one-way valve for preventing leakage of liquids and gases to the outside, providing a mechanism having a function for maintaining or expanding a capacity of the storage space, and in the reservoir by the one-way valve. A liquid supply method is provided that includes controlling a negative pressure in the storage space resulting from consuming a liquid.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a storage comprising: a liquid supply for forming a storage space for a liquid and forming a liquid supply port for supplying a storage liquid to the outside and a gas introduction portion for introducing gas into the storage space from outside; A one-way valve having a portion, a mechanism having a function for maintaining or expanding a capacity of the storage space, and a gas introduction member attachable to the gas introduction portion, wherein the gas introduction member is mounted on the gas introduction portion. Gas is allowed through the gas inlet, leakage of gas and liquid from the storage space to the outside is prevented, and the one-way valve controls negative pressure in the storage space caused by consuming liquid in the storage. A liquid supply device is provided.

An ink tank for a liquid supply device according to a third aspect is provided, which includes a storage portion for storing ink as a liquid, and a mechanism having a function for maintaining or expanding a capacity of the storage space.

In addition, recording is performed by releasing ink onto the recording medium using this ink tank, and the recording head for releasing ink supplied by the ink tank includes a holder for mounting the ink tank and a fluid flowing in one direction. And a flow path opening and closing by being connected with the one-way valve, the holder including a member in communication with the flow path, the ink tank including the holder By providing a mounting portion capable of detachably mounting a member of a member, an ink jet recording apparatus is provided in which gas can be introduced therein through a member of a holder and a one-way valve.

An ink tank for constructing the ink supply apparatus according to the third aspect, a recording head for discharging ink supplied through the communication path from the ink tank, the ink tank having a storage portion for storing ink as a liquid; An ink jet cartridge provided with a mechanism having a function for maintaining or expanding a capacity of a storage space, wherein the recording head is formed integrally with the ink tank.

In addition, by using this ink jet cartridge, ink is discharged onto the recording medium to perform recording, and a holder for mounting the ink jet cartridge, and communication of fluid flowing in one direction, and communication of fluid toward another direction are allowed. And a one-way valve to prevent silver, and a flow path that is opened and closed by being connected with the one-way valve, the holder having a member in communication with the flow path, and the ink tank of the ink jet cartridge can detachably mount the member of the holder. By providing a mountable portion, an ink jet recording apparatus is provided, through which a gas can be introduced into the holder through the member and the one-way valve.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage portion for forming a storage space for liquid, for allowing the introduction of gas into the storage space from the outside, and for preventing liquid and gas leakage from the storage space to the outside. A one-way valve, the one-way valve comprising: a valve chamber having a hollow gas introduction member for insertion into the storage space, an opening in communication with the gas introduction member and allowing gas introduction from the outside; Provided is a one-way valve including an opening / closing member operable to open the opening when the pressure in the storage space is less than a predetermined value by being pressed in the direction in which the opening is closed.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid storage having a movable member defining a storage space of a liquid in at least part thereof, the liquid member being deformable according to the supply of the liquid to the outside, and having a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid stored therein. And a valve chamber in communication with the storage space, the valve chamber having a one-way valve that allows introduction of gas from the outside into the storage space and prevents leakage of liquid and gas from the storage space to the outside, the liquid storage The chamber includes an elastic member for generating the pressing force F1 in the direction of increasing the capacity of the storage space, and pressing means for storing the pressing force F1 for pressing the movable member in the area S1 with respect to the direction, the valve The chamber is formed of a valve for generating a pressing force F2 for controlling the opening operation of the one-way valve. A member and a closing member for storing the pressing force F2 for closing the one-way valve by the action of the pressing force F2 in the region S2, the one-way valve being configured to open to introduce air from the outside, the liquid being The pressure resulting from the meniscus of the liquid formed in the communication portion communicating between the storage space and the valve chamber when present in the communication portion is PM, the height between the meniscus and the top of the ink in the storage space h, the liquid If the density of ρ and the gravitational acceleration are g, the absolute value of the negative pressure acting on the valve chamber PV =-(F1 / S1) + hx ρx g + PM,

PV ｜> F2 ｜ S2

A liquid container is provided that satisfies.

Here, the valve chamber is formed to communicate with the storage space in the portion of the liquid storage chamber containing the introduced gas, and when the following equation is satisfied,

｜ F1 ｜ / S1 ＞ ｜ F2 ｜ / S2

The one-way valve opens to introduce air from the outside.

In the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a movable member that defines a storage space for liquid and is displaceable in accordance with the supply of liquid, a liquid supply port for supplying liquid stored outwardly, a port capable of introducing gas into the storage space, and A one-way valve having a sealing member for sealing the port, wherein the one-way valve includes a gas when the capacity of the storage space begins to decrease by displacement of the movable member with the supply of liquid and becomes smaller than a predetermined value. There is provided a liquid container that is opened to introduce a.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid supply port for supplying stored liquid to the outside, and a valve chamber for introducing gas from the outside into the storage space and preventing leakage of liquid and gas from the storage space to the outside, A fully sealed liquid container is provided, with the exception of the liquid supply port and the one-way valve.

Negative pressure generating means for applying a negative pressure from the liquid supply port to the liquid supply unit,

Negative pressure control means for introducing a gas to control the negative pressure,

The negative pressure control means has a function of preventing the discharge caused by the operation to discharge the liquid and gas to the outside.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a movable member defining a storage space for liquid and movable in accordance with the supply of liquid, a liquid supply port for supplying liquid stored outwardly, and an opening through which gas can be introduced into the storage space; And a valve body for sealing the opening, the capacity of the storage space beginning to decrease with the supply of liquid from the state filled with liquid such that the storage space becomes lower than a predetermined value causing the introduction of gas, The storage space is provided with a liquid container configured to maintain the capacity at a predetermined value regardless of the supply of liquid and the introduction of gas.

Liquid supplied from the storage space is used and a liquid use device is provided which can be combined with a liquid container according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects.

Further, a recording apparatus is provided which performs recording with ink supplied from a storage space, and uses a liquid container according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects in which ink is stored as a recording medium.

Further, an ink comprising a liquid container according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects in which ink is stored as a recording medium, and ink being supplied from the storage space, coupled with the storage space, and discharging ink from the ink discharge port. Jet cartridges are provided.

In the above, the ink as a liquid may include a pigment as a color material.

Further, in this specification, the word "recording" is not only a state of forming important information such as letters and drawings, but is it important or meaningless, or can it be realized in a way that humans can perceive through vision? Regardless, it means a state in which an image, a design, a pattern, and the like are widely formed on a recording medium or a recording medium performing state.

In addition, the word "printing medium" means not only paper used in a conventional recording apparatus, but also everything that can store ink, such as fabric, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramic, wood, and leather, It will be represented by "sheet" or simply "paper".

In addition, the word "ink" should be interpreted in a broad sense as well as the definition of "printing" described above, so that ink is applied to the recording medium to form images, designs, patterns, and the like, and to process the recording medium, A liquid used for processing ink (e.g., condensation and encapsulation of the color material of the ink applied to the recording medium).

The foregoing and other objects, effects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 illustrates a problem of an ink container according to the related art, in which outside air is introduced to alleviate an increase in negative pressure resulting from liquid (ink) consumption.

Figure 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of the ink tank and recording head shape in the first embodiment of the basic shape according to the present invention.

3A and 3B are sectional views illustrating the operation of the one-way valve of FIG.

4A, 4B and 4C are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the ink tank of FIG.

Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the amount of supply ink and the pressure change of the storage space S when the ink tank of Fig. 2 is used.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the ink tank of FIG. 2; FIG.

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ink tank shape in the second embodiment of the basic shape according to the present invention.

Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view of the ink tank shape in the third embodiment of the basic shape according to the present invention.

9 is a schematic sectional view of the ink tank shape in the fourth embodiment of the basic shape according to the present invention;

10A, 10B and 10C illustrate the steps of forming the tank sheet of the ink tank shown in Fig. 9;

FIG. 11A illustrates a spring unit manufacturing step of the ink tank of FIG. 9, and FIG. 11B illustrates a spring / sheet unit manufacturing step of the ink tank of FIG.

12A and 12B illustrate the spring / sheet / frame unit fabrication steps of the ink tank of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the step of combining the spring / sheet unit and the spring / sheet / frame unit of the ink tank of FIG.

14A and 14B are cross-sectional views of the main parts in the bonding step of FIG.

Figure 15 is a sectional view of the ink tank storage unit shaped using the ink tank of Figure 9;

Figure 16 is a sectional view of the ink tank storage unit shaped using the plurality of ink tanks of Figure 9;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing an example of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

Figure 18 is a schematic cross sectional view for explaining a first example for joining an ink tank, a one-way valve and a recording head.

Fig. 19 is a schematic cross sectional view for explaining a second example for joining an ink tank, a one-way valve and a recording head.

Fig. 20 is a schematic cross sectional view for explaining a third example for joining an ink tank, a one-way valve and a recording head.

21A to 21C are diagrams for explaining the control of the negative pressure in the ink tank shown in Fig. 20 as a result of the ink supply;

Figure 22 is a schematic cross sectional view for explaining a fourth example for joining an ink tank, a one-way valve and a recording head;

Figure 23 is a schematic cross sectional view for explaining a fifth example for joining an ink tank, a one-way valve and a recording head;

Figure 24 is a schematic cross sectional view for explaining a sixth example for joining an ink tank, a one-way valve and a recording head;

Figure 25 is a schematic cross sectional view for explaining a seventh example for joining an ink tank, a one-way valve and a recording head;

26A and 26B illustrate two examples of a mechanism for attaching an ink tank and a recording head.

Fig. 27A shows a state where the opening for introducing air is sealed, and Fig. 27B shows a state just before separation of the air introduction opening as a result of the shrinking of the ink tank, and Fig. 27C shows that the air introduction opening is opened for introducing air. 27A to 27C are schematic sectional views showing the shape and operation of the first embodiment of the ink supply apparatus having the one-way valve in another aspect of the present invention.

28A to 28D are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining the structure and operation of a second example of an ink supply apparatus having a one-way valve in another aspect of the present invention, and FIG. 28A shows a state where the opening section for introducing the atmosphere is sealed. Fig. 28B shows a state just before the air inlet opening is separated as a result of shrinkage of the ink tank, and Fig. 28C shows a state in which the air inlet opening section is opened to introduce air. Fig. 28D shows the structure of the sealing member.

Figure 29 is a schematic cross sectional view for explaining the arrangement of a third embodiment of an ink supply apparatus having a one-way valve in another aspect of the present invention.

Figure 30 is a schematic cross sectional view for explaining the arrangement of a fourth embodiment of an ink supply apparatus having a one-way valve in another aspect of the present invention.

Figure 31 is a schematic cross sectional view for explaining the construction of a fifth embodiment of an ink supply apparatus having a one-way valve in another aspect of the present invention.

Figure 32 is a schematic cross sectional view for explaining the arrangement of a sixth embodiment of an ink supply apparatus having a one-way valve in another aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 33 is a schematic cross sectional view for explaining an example of the configuration of an ink tank focusing on gas infiltration.

34A to 34C show a state of use of the ink tank of FIG.

FIG. 35 shows an osmotic pressure of a gas in the ink tank of FIG. 33; FIG.

Fig. 36 is a schematic cross sectional view for explaining an example of another configuration of the ink tank focusing on gas delivery.

Figure 37 is a schematic sectional view showing an example of an ink container which is a liquid container in which the ink jet recording head is integrally mounted and used in another embodiment of the present invention.

38A to 38E are views for explaining the operation of the ink container shown in FIG.

FIG. 39 shows the relationship between the amount of residual ink shown in FIG. 37 and the negative pressure in the ink storage space of the ink container; FIG.

Figure 40 is a schematic sectional view showing another example of the ink container which is a liquid container in which the ink jet recording head is integrally mounted and used in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 shows how the volumetric capacity of the ink storage space varies with the amount of liquid (ink) extracted to account for the function of the buffer area to prevent pressure fluctuations formed by the ink container shown in FIG.

42A and 42B are schematic cross sectional views for explaining an example of the configuration and operation of another embodiment of an ink container in which a preferred buffer region is formed;

43A and 43B are schematic cross sectional views for explaining an example of the configuration and operation of another embodiment of an ink container in which a preferred buffer region is formed;

FIG. 44 is a view for explaining a design variable for the configuration of FIG. 42A; FIG.

Fig. 45 is a schematic cross sectional view showing a state of the construction of Fig. 42A with which ink is extracted from a supply port so that almost all of the ink is used;

46A to 46F are schematic cross sectional views for explaining an example of the construction and operation of an ink tank to be considered to generalize its design conditions.

Fig. 47 shows the relationship between the amount of residual ink and the negative pressure to the ink tank shown in Fig. 46A;

FIG. 48 shows the relationship between the amount of residual ink and negative pressure, which is a modified configuration of the ink tank shown in FIG. 46A;

49A and 49B show an example of the configuration of an ink tank different from the configuration shown in Fig. 46A, and a relationship between the residual ink amount and the internal negative pressure, respectively.

50A and 50B show an example of the ink tank of the different configuration shown in Fig. 46A and the relationship between the amount of residual ink and the internal negative pressure, respectively.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

10: ink tank

11: movable member

12: communication port

13: outer casing

20: recording head

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Various embodiments of the present invention applied to the ink jet recording apparatus will be described below. In particular, the liquid container contains ink to be supplied to the ink jet recording head, so that the term "ink" may be substituted for the term "liquid". In particular, the present invention is effective for ink storage color materials. In particular, the present invention is desirable for ink-containing pigments to ensure better ink supply properties.

<1. Example of Basic Configuration>

<1.1 First Embodiment of Basic Configuration>

2 to 6 show a first embodiment of the basic configuration of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes a cartridge in which ink can be stored, and reference numeral 20 denotes a recording head capable of discharging ink supplied from the ink tank 10. In FIG. The recording head 20 is not limited to any particular ink discharging method, and for example, thermal energy generated by the thermoelectric body may be used as energy for discharging ink. In this case, film boiling of the ink may be generated by heat generated by the thermoelectric converter, and the ink may then be discharged through the ink discharge port by foaming energy. The ink tank 10 and the recording head 20 may be detachably or non-separably combined to constitute an ink jet cartridge mounted to and separated from the ink jet recording apparatus. Thus, the cartridge type ink tank 10 or the recording head 20 can be independently replaced with a new one, or the ink cartridge can be replaced entirely with a new one.

The ink storage space S is defined by the movable member 11 in the ink tank 10. The space above the movable member 11 in the ink tank 10 is exposed to the atmosphere at the atmospheric communication port 12 to be placed under pressure equivalent to the air pressure. The outer casing 13 of the ink tank 10 functions as a shell for protecting the movable member 11 from external force. The movable member 11 of the present invention is constituted by a deformable flexible film (sheet member) whose configuration in the central section is controlled by the plate 14 and has a trapezoidal side configuration. As will be described below, the movable member 11 is deformed in accordance with the change in the amount of ink in the storage space S and its pressure fluctuation. In this case, the peripheral section of the movable member 11 is well balanced to expand, contract or deform, and the central section of the movable member 11 moves up and down while maintaining a substantially horizontal posture and orientation. Therefore, since the movable member 11 is smoothly deformed (moved), the deformation will not generate an impact, and there will be no abnormal pressure fluctuation due to the impact in the storage space S.

In the ink storage space S, the ink ejection operation of the ink recording head generates negative pressure within a range that can be performed in equilibrium with the ability to hold the meniscus formed at the ink ejection port of the recording head. There is provided a spring member 40 in the form of a compression spring for exerting a force that extends the movable member 11 outward through 14. Fig. 2 shows a state in which the storage section S is actually completely filled with ink and the spring member 40 is compressed to generate an appropriate negative pressure in the ink tank even in this state.

The recording head 20 has hollow needles 21 and 22 which can be inserted into the rubber plugs 17 and 18. The hollow needle 21 is fitted into the rubber plugs 17 and 18 to form a supply channel L1 for supplying ink in the storage space S to the recording head 20. The filter 23 is provided in the supply channel L1. Reference numeral 24 denotes a sealing member such as rubber in intimate contact with the rubber plug 17. The other hollow needle 22 is fitted into the rubber plug 18 to form a communication channel L2 for exposing the storage space S to the atmosphere. The one-way valve 30 shown schematically in FIG. 2 is provided in the communication channel L2. Reference numeral 25 denotes a sealing member such as rubber in intimate contact with the rubber plug 18. The rubber plugs 17 and 18 may be formed of slits 17A and 18A so that the hollow needles 21 and 22 are easily fitted. In the case where the hollow needles 21 and 22 are not fitted into the slits 17A and 18A, the slits are closed by the elastic force of the rubber plugs 17 and 18. The ink supply port 15 and the communication port 16 are formed at the bottom of the ink tank 10 and are closed by rubber plugs 17 and 18. Therefore, the ink storage space S is completely sealed when the hollow needles 21 and 22 are not inserted except the ink supply port 15 and the communication port 16 only, and the ink storage space S when the needle is inserted. Is generally sealed.

The one-way valve shown schematically in the figure symbolically shows its function. The state of the valve in the figure does not represent the open state or closed state of the valve as it is. Other figures symbolically showing the one-way valve as above will be considered as well.

3A and 3B show an example of the specific configuration and operation of the one-way valve 30 in accordance with the present invention when applied to the configuration shown in FIG. 2. This configuration of performing the operation is a problem for the process that can be used in a similar manner to the other examples described below.

In Fig. 3A, the one-way valve 30 of this embodiment has a configuration to be connected to the ink tank 10 through a hollow needle (tube) 22 in direct communication with the tank. This valve is configured as a diaphragm valve using the diaphragm 31. In particular, the diaphragm 31 is formed of an opening section 31A in a fixed position in a fixed manner facing each other with the sealing member 3 provided with the housing 36 in a fixed manner. The opening 31A is normally sealed with the sealing member 32. The diaphragm 31 is pressed downward by the spring member 33 of FIG. 3A through the supporting plate 34 described later. An opening 36A in communication with the atmosphere is provided on a housing 36 constituting a valve chamber R in which a diaphragm 31 and a spring member 33 are provided, and the sealing member 32 is an opening 31A. Is fixed at the position of the relationship facing each other. When the opening section 31A is pressed against the sealing member 32 as shown in Fig. 3A, the opening section 31A is closed to block the communication channel L2 between the valve chamber R and the atmosphere. . The support plate 34 is in intimate contact with the diaphragm 31 and has an opening 34A corresponding to the opening section 31A. The establishment of communication between the valve chamber R and the ink tank 10 through the hollow needle 22 causes the ink in the ink tank to exist at an end of the hollow needle 22 or a range of positions within the hollow needle. Thus, the valve chamber R has the same internal pressure as in the ink storage space S. FIG.

When ink is supplied from the ink tank 10 to the recording head 20 so that the amount of ink in the storage space A decreases, the pressure (internal pressure) in the storage space S decreases accordingly (negative pressure increases). ). When the pressure in the storage space S becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined value (equivalent to or greater than the predetermined negative pressure), the opening section 31A is removed from the sealing member 32 in fluid communication with the atmosphere. That is, the air in the valve chamber R is provided due to the decrease in the pressure in the storage space S, thereby increasing the negative pressure in the valve chamber R. When the negative pressure in the valve chamber R reaches a predetermined value, the diaphragm 31 and the support plate 34 move toward the side of the valve chamber R against the pressing force of the spring member 33, which is inside This is because the difference between the pressure of the air and the atmosphere (outside of the chamber R) exceeds the pressing force of the spring member 33 to separate the opening section 31A from the sealing member 32. As a result, the opening section 31A is opened to introduce the outside air into the valve chamber R under a higher pressure than in the valve chamber R. As shown in FIG. This introduction of outside air relieves the pressure in the valve chamber R and the storage space S, after which the opening section 31A is closed again by the pressing force of the spring member. Achieving this point, the pressure in the valve chamber R rises to about atmospheric pressure. The pressing force of the spring 33 causes the displacement of the diaphragm 31 toward the sealing member to establish intimate contact therebetween to maintain a predetermined negative pressure.

This opening and closing function of the one-way valve 30 maintains the pressure in the valve chamber R and the ink storage space S at a predetermined pressure (pressure less than atmospheric pressure).

The valve chamber R and the ink storage space S communicate with each other through the hollow needle 22, and the opening 22A at the end of the hollow needle 22 is in contact with the ink, so that the ink storage space in the opening 22A. This results in the formation of the meniscus 22B, which is an interface formed between the ink projected toward S and the air.

When the negative pressure in the ink storage space S exceeds a predetermined value by the supply of ink into the recording head 20, a predetermined pressure difference occurs between the valve chamber R and the interior of the ink storage space S. FIG. As soon as the pressure difference exceeds the meniscus holding capacity, air is introduced into the ink storage space S to eliminate the pressure difference. Then, as the pressure in the ink storage space S continues to decrease, the film 31 is displaced upward in FIGS. 3A and 3B by the pressure while pressing the spring member 33, which is an opening portion 31A. Is opened to introduce air into the valve chamber (R). This relieves the negative pressure in the valve chamber R and at the same time generates a pressure difference between the valve chamber R and the interior of the ink storage space S, so that air is released at the opening 22A of the end of the hollow needle 22. Breaks the meniscus and is introduced into the ink storage space (S).

At the moment when the opening portion 31A is opened to start the introduction of air, turbulence can occur in the air flow. However, in this example, the valve chamber R and the ink storage space S communicate with each other through the hollow needle 22 and the opening 22A at the end of the hollow needle 22 has a structure in which a meniscus can be formed. Since there will be no flow of a large amount of ink into the valve chamber (R).

Even when ink enters the valve chamber R by the change of the surroundings or the shaking of the apparatus during the transfer, the ink enters the ink storage space S as a result of the action of air introduction to adjust the negative pressure in the ink storage space S. ), The ink tank 10 and the one-way valve 30 are returned to a good state as a result.

In view of the above action, it is preferable to determine the opening dimension of the opening 22A at the end of the hollow interiors 22 so that the meniscus holding capacity is smaller than the force for opening the opening portion 31A into the valve chamber R. . For example, the opening preferably has a circular structure having an opening diameter of 5 mm or less, more preferably a circular structure having an opening diameter of 1 mm or less. Preferably, the length L of the hollow needle 22 is such that the ink is hard to reach the valve chamber R even when the ink is moved toward the valve chamber R by turbulent flow in the air flow as described above. Preferably, the dimension is 0.5 mm or more, More preferably, it is 5 mm or more.

This structure is very advantageous except in the state of actual use of the device such as ambient change and shaking of the device during transfer, which provides a very good performance with respect to the stability of the negative pressure on the recording head.

By the opening / closing function of the one-way valve 30, the inside of the ink storage space S and the valve chamber R is maintained at a constant pressure.

4A, 4B and 4C show the ink supply operation of the ink tank 10 combined with the recording head 20. FIG.

Fig. 4A shows the state of the ink tank 10 reached when a small amount of ink is consumed from the initial state (Fig. 2) in which the ink storage space S is completely filled with ink. 4B shows a state in which the movable member 11 is displaced downward (in the direction of compressing the spring member 40) as a result of ink consumption. The movable member 11 is freely displaced to the maximum in the state shown in FIG. 4B, and when the ink is consumed more, the flexible film as the movable member 11 is tensioned and also subjected to a load from the spring member 40, which is ink. The negative pressure in the storage space S is increased. When the negative pressure in the ink storage space S exceeds the predetermined air introduction pressure, the one-way valve 30 is opened as described above to introduce external air into the ink storage space S as shown in Fig. 4C. Therefore, the pressure in the ink storage space S does not drop below a predetermined pressure, and a constant pressure is maintained in the ink storage space S. FIG. As a result, ink is stably supplied to the recording head 20 so that the recording operation can be performed as desired. Therefore, an ink tank having the structure described above for the efficient and sufficient application of the present invention will be good.

5 shows the relationship between the amount of ink supplied using the ink tank of the embodiment of the present invention and the pressure change in the ink storage space S. FIG. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 199-125240 cited above, which establishes an enclosed system by balancing the pressure generated from the ink meniscus (liquid seal) formed in the region of the negative pressure provided by the spring and the annular orifice. Or in the structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 195-125241, that the ink level in the tank is unstable and that the structure includes the operation of breaking and reforming the liquid seal before and after introduction of air in response to an increase in negative pressure. For reasons including the fact, the introduction and shut-off of air with poor responsiveness is carried out and the pressure in the tank fluctuates greatly. In contrast, in the embodiment of the present invention, the introduction of air (FIG. 4C) and the blocking (FIG. 4B) are quick and easy to maintain a stable supply or stable negative pressure of ink over a wide range until the ink is used as shown in FIG. It is stable. When the air in the ink storage space S is expanded by the decrease in the external air pressure or the increase in the ambient temperature, the movable member 11 is displaced upward as shown in FIG. That is, the movable member 11 is displaced upward in accordance with the expansion of the air in the ink storage space S, so as to absorb the pressure change caused by the expansion of the air. In addition, the spring member 40 applies a load in the direction of pressing the movable member 11 upward. Thus, a constant pressure is reliably maintained in the ink storage space S. FIG. As a result, ink can be stably supplied to the recording head 20 to perform a predetermined recording operation. As shown in Fig. 3A, even when the air in the ink storage space S is expanded as shown in Fig. 6, the one-way valve 30 is kept closed or shut off, so that the ink in the ink tank 10 To prevent leakage.

In order to enable an increase in the volume of air introduced into the ink storage space S, preferably, the amount of increase in the volume capacity of the space Vs due to deformation (upward displacement) of the movable member is preferably introduced air. It is determined by an increase amount ΔVi or more of.

Ink consumed (extracted or supplied from) in the ink tank 10 by introducing external air into the ink tank 10 through the one-way valve 30 as described above. Since it decreases with the amount, the ink in the ink tank 10 can be generally completely extracted through the supply port 15. In addition, since the one-way valve 30 prevents the ink or air (fluid) in the ink tank 10 from being extracted or leaked to the outside, the ink in the ink tank 10 may not be in the posture of the ink tank 10 during use or It will not leak through the communication port 16 regardless of the direction. Therefore, there is no restriction on the attitude of the ink tank 10 in use.

The one-way valve 30 is not limited to the structure using the membrane described in this example, and has a variety of structures including a structure similar to that of a general check valve in which the valve body is pressed against the valve seat by the pressing force of the spring member. May be used. That is, what is needed for the one-way valve 30 is to prevent the extraction or leakage of fluid (ink and gas) from the ink tank 10 to the outside and to allow the introduction of air (gas) from the outside into the ink tank 10. If ink is present outside the one-way valve (for example under the film 31 in Fig. 3B), i.e., outside the ink tank 10, depending on its structure, the one-way valve 30 is provided with the external ink in the ink tank. (10) to be introduced into.

The position of the communication port 16 of the ink tank 10 is not limited to the bottom of the ink tank 10, but may be at any position of the tank. For example, the communication port 16 may be provided in the upper or side portion of the ink tank 10 in which the air introduced into the ink storage space S is located.

1.2 Second Embodiment of Basic Structure

Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of the basic structure of the present invention. In the structure shown, a spring member 42 in the form of a tension spring is provided outside the ink storage space S, and the ejection operation of the recording head is carried out in balance with the ability to hold the meniscus formed in the ink ejecting portion of the recording head. The spring member 42 exerts a force to expand the movable member 11 outward so that a negative pressure is generated within a range that can be performed.

That is, the function of the spring member 42 is substantially the same as that of the spring member 40 of the first embodiment. However, since this embodiment has a structure in which the spring member 42 does not come in direct contact with the ink, the spring member itself has a long shelf life and improved stability, and the degree of freedom in the selection of the ink material is increased.

1.3 Third Embodiment of the Basic Structure

The first embodiment has a structure in which a spring member is provided to generate negative pressure, but the spring member can be omitted by forming a flexible film that is deformable to function as a movable member using a material having spring properties. In particular, the flexible film may be a material provided with the property of being displaced in the direction of increasing the volumetric capacity of the ink storage space S to allow the flexible film itself to function as a spring member as a pressing unit.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of the structure in which the movable member 11 'is formed by using a flexible membrane having suitable spring properties to achieve a function substantially similar to that of the spring member 40 of the first embodiment. This embodiment is advantageous in that ink storage efficiency is improved and manufacturing cost of the ink tank is reduced because no special spring member is disposed.

An ink tank having such a flexible film includes an ink storage inner wall which can be modified to separate the flexible film from the outer wall at the same time in the same step using direct blow molding as disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1997-267483; It can be obtained by molding the ink tank outer wall.

For example, no problem occurs during ink ejection from the recording head even if the spring is not used, and it is generally considered for the recording head considering the difference in head pressure caused by the magnitude of the negative pressure generated in the recording head and the positional relationship between the recording head and the ink tank. Such an ink tank can be used when the negative pressure is maintained in an appropriate range.

1.4 Fourth Embodiment of the Basic Structure

Although the spring member is described as having a coil spring-like structure in the first embodiment, a structure in which a leaf spring is used is also possible.

9 is a perspective view of an ink tank 127 having such a structure. The ink tank has an enclosed structure in which the upper and lower spring / sheet units 114 are mounted in the upper and lower openings of the rectangular frame 115. As will be described later, the spring / seat unit 114 is constituted by a spring unit 114 that includes a spring 107, a pressure plate 109, and a flexible tank seat (flexible member) 106. The ink supply port 15 and the communication port 16 are formed in the frame 115.

10A to 14B show a method of manufacturing such an ink tank 147.

First, Figures 10A, 10B and 10C show the step of forming a flexible tank sheet 106 having a convex shape.

The sheet material 101 forming the tank sheet 106 is formed of a sheet having a large size from the raw material, and the sheet material 101 is a major factor in the performance of the ink tank. The sheet material 101 has low permeability, flexibility, and durability against repeated deformation to gas and ink components. Such good materials include PP, PE, PVDC, EVOH, nylon and composite materials laminated with aluminum and silica. It is also possible to use materials formed of layers of these. In particular, excellent ink tank performance can be obtained by forming a film of PP or PE having high chemical resistance and PVDC, EVOH which shows good performance in gas and vapor barrier. Preferably, the thickness of this sheet material 101 is in the range of about 10 μm to 100 μm in consideration of ductility and durability.

As shown in Fig. 10A, such sheet material 101 is formed in a convex shape for use in the forming die 102 having the convex portion 103, the vacuum hole 104, and the temperature control mechanism (not shown). . The sheet material 101 is adsorbed by the vacuum hole 104 and formed into a flexible convex shape having the convex portions 103 by heating from the forming die 102. After being formed in a convex shape as shown in Fig. 10B, the sheet material 101 is cut into a tank sheet 106 having a predetermined size as shown in Fig. 10C. The size is required to be suitable for manufacturing the device in a subsequent step, and can be set according to the volume of the ink tank 127 for storing ink.

11A shows a step of manufacturing the spring unit 112 used to generate underpressure in the ink tank 127. The spring 107 previously formed in a semicircular structure is mounted on the spring receiving jig 108, and the pressure plate 109 is equally attached thereon through spot welding using the welding electrode 111. The thermal adhesive 110 is applied to the pressure plate 109. The spring unit 112 is composed of a spring 107 and a pressure plate 109.

11B shows the step of mounting the spring unit 112 to the tank seat 106. The spring unit 112 is disposed on the inner surface of the tank seat 106 located on the receiving jig (not shown). Thermal adhesive 110 is heated using heating head 113 to join spring unit 112 and tank seat 106 to form spring / sheet unit 114.

12A shows the step of welding the spring / seat unit 114 to the frame 115. The frame 115 is fixed to the frame receiving jig 116. After the frame 115 is positioned and placed on the jig 116, the sheet adsorption jig 117 surrounding the frame 115 is spring / seat to hold the unit 115 and the frame 115 which are relatively misaligned. The unit 114 is sucked into the vacuum hole 117a. The heating head 118 is then used to heat and weld the annular connecting surface of the upper peripheral edge of the frame 115 and the peripheral edge of the tank seat 106 of the spring / seat unit 114 in the structure. The seat suction jig 117 is set such that the upper peripheral edge of the frame 115 of FIG. 12A and the peripheral edge of the tank seat 106 of the spring / seat unit 114 face each other uniformly, and the mating surface is fairly even. Heated, welded and sealed. Thus, the sheet suction jig 117 is important for heat welding to provide a uniform seal.

12B shows the step of cutting a portion of the tank seat 106 protruding from the frame 115 with a cutter (not shown). The spring / seat / frame unit 119 is completed by cutting off a portion of the tank seat 106 that protrudes from the frame 115.

13, 14a and 14b show the steps of heating and welding another spring / sheet unit 114 to the spring / sheet / frame unit 119 manufactured through the steps described above.

As shown in Fig. 13, the spring / seat / frame unit 119 is mounted to a receiving jig (not shown), and the periphery of the spring / sheet / frame unit 119 has a suction whose position is defined with respect to the receiving jig. It is surrounded by the jig 120. The receiving jig is in the surface in contact with the outer flat section 106a of the tank seat 106 of the spring / seat / frame unit 119 to retain the flat section 106a as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. The outer spring / seat unit 114 is adsorbed and retained by the retaining jig 121 in the outer flat section 106a of the tank 106, the retaining jig 121 being the spring 107 of the spring / seat unit 114. ) End 107a, 107b and spring 107 end 107a, 107b of spring / seat / frame unit 119 are generally lowered simultaneously. The ends 107a of the springs 107 have convex shapes that each fit on each other on a self-aligning basis. The single spring member is formed by engaging with such a spring with a pair of spring members forming a body.

The retaining jig 121 is further lowered to compress the pair of springs 107 as shown in Fig. 14A. By doing so, the holding jig 121 broadly presses the upper flat section 106a of the spring / seat unit 114 of Fig. 13, that is, the upper flat section of the tank seat 106 formed in the convex structure. As a result, the position of the flat section 106a of the tank seat 106 is adjusted, and the spring / seat unit 114 advances the unit 119 and the jig 120 which are identically positioned below while keeping parallel to each other. . Thus, as shown in FIG. 14B, the peripheral edge of the tank seat 106 of the spring seat unit 114 is brought into contact with the surface of the suction jig 120 and adsorbed to the vacuum hole 120a and held therein, and the frame 115 Are placed in a uniform relationship with each other's welding surfaces (upper engaging surfaces in the same structure). In this state, the upper peripheral edge of the frame 115 of the spring / sheet / frame unit 119 and the tank seat 106 of the spring / sheet unit 114 are heated and welded to each other by the heating head 122.

The tank seat 106 is compressed by compressing a pair of springs while retaining parallelism between the flat section 106a of the tank seat 106 of the upper unit 114 and the tank section 106 flat section 106a of the bottom unit 119. An ink tank 127 having high parallelism between the pair of flat sections 106a can be stably produced on a mass production basis. Since the pair of springs 107 are symmetrically and uniformly compressed and deformed in FIGS. 14A and 14B, it produces an ink tank 127 having high parallelism between the flat sections 106a of the tank sheet pair with high stability. There will be no force to tilt the spring / seat unit 114 which makes it possible to do so. In addition, since the pair of springs 107 are symmetrically and uniformly compressed and deformed in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the spacing between the flat sections 106a of the pair of tank sheets 106 facing each other keeps the ink stable. The higher parallelism is changed so that it can be supplied. In addition, the ink tank 127 has high sealing characteristics, pressure resistance and durability since there is no force acting to tilt the flat section 106a of the flexible tank sheet 106.

Thereafter, the portion of the tank sheet 106 protruding from the frame 115 is cut out to complete the ink tank 127 as shown in FIG. The interior of the ink tank 127 has an enclosed structure in communication with the outside only through the ink supply port 15 and the communication port 16.

Fig. 15 is a sectional view of the ink tank holding chamber having the ink tank manufactured by the above process.

Ink may be retained in the ink tank 127 and is supplied from the supply port 15 of the ink tank 127 through the filter 137 to the supply channel 136 and supplied to the head chip 133. The heater board 134 is coupled to the head chip 133 of this embodiment to form an ink jet recording head, and the heater board 134 is formed of an ink path and an orifice, and discharges ink supplied from the ink tank 127. It is provided as an electric thermoelectric converter (heater). Air may be guided into the ink tank through the communication port 16 in a manner similar to the above embodiment. In general, the ink tank holding chamber 130 having the closed structure formed by the lid 132 can communicate with the outside only through the small hole 142.

The ink tank holding chamber 130 may be configured to hold a single ink tank 127 or to hold a plurality of ink tanks.

Fig. 16 shows a structure in which a plurality of ink tanks 127 are held. The ink tank 127 is mounted to the ink tank mounting portion 131 using welding or joining. Thereafter, the lid 132 is mounted in the opening of the ink tank holding chamber 130 using welding or bonding to form a half-closed space in the ink tank holding chamber 130.

<1.5 Embodiment of Structure of Ink Jet Printing Apparatus>

Figure 17 is a perspective view of an example of an ink jet recording apparatus as a liquid consuming apparatus to which the present invention can be supplied.

Such a recording apparatus is a serial ink jet printing apparatus. In the recording apparatus 50 of this embodiment, the cartridge 53 can be guided by the guide shafts 51 and 52 and moved in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow A. FIG. The cartridge 53 is moved back and forth in the main scanning direction by a driving force transmission mechanism such as a belt that transmits the driving force of the same motor as the cartridge motor. The cartridge 53 carries an ink jet recording head (not shown in Fig. 17) and an ink tank (ink container) 10 for supplying ink to the ink jet recording head. The ink tank 10 has a structure similar to the above embodiment, and can form an ink jet cartridge in communication with the ink jet recording head. The paper P as the print medium is inserted into the insertion hole 55 provided in the front end of the apparatus, and is conveyed by the feed roller 56 in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow B after its transfer direction is changed. The recording device 50 transfers the paper P in the sub-scanning direction at the same distance as the recording width and the recording operation in which the recording head 20 moves in the main scanning direction and ejects ink toward the print area on the paper P. The image is successively formed on the paper P by repeating the transfer operation.

The ink jet recording head 20 may use the thermal energy generated by the electrothermal transducer element as energy for ejecting ink. In this case, film boiling of the ink is caused by the heat generated by the electric thermoelectric converter element, and the ink is ejected from the ink discharge port by the forming energy generated at that time. The method of ejecting ink from the ink jet recording head is not limited to the method of using the electrothermal transducer element, and for example, the method of ejecting ink using a piezoelectric element may be employed.

In Fig. 17, at the left end of the moving range of the cartridge 53, there is provided a regeneration system unit (regeneration process unit) facing the surface of the ink jet print head conveyed by the cartridge 53 in which the ink discharge portion is formed. The reproduction system unit 58 has a cap capable of capping the ink ejection portion of the recording head and a suction pump capable of guiding negative pressure into the cap, and the unit surrounds the ink ejection portion to adsorb and eject ink through the ink ejection portion. By guiding the negative pressure into the cap, a regeneration process (also referred to as a "suction regeneration process") can be performed in order to indicate an appropriate ink discharge state of the ink jet recording head. In addition, a regeneration process may be performed in which the ink jet recording head has an appropriate ink discharge state by ejecting ink toward the cap (also referred to as the "discharge regeneration process").

In the recording apparatus of this embodiment, ink is supplied from the ink tank 10 transferred by the cartridge 53 along the ink jet recording head 20 to the ink jet recording head 20.

<1.6 change example>

At least a part of the inner wall of the storage space S of the ink tank 10 may be constituted by a movable member such as a flexible film, and alternatively, the entire inner wall may be constituted in such a manner. In this case, the step of coupling the movable member 11 to the outer casing 13 can be omitted, so that the number of parts used can be reduced, which contributes to producing an excellent effect of reducing the manufacturing cost. Instead of providing such a deformable member, a member which is displaced according to the volume capacity of the storage space S may be provided in part of the wall.

The position at which the ink supply port 15 and the communication port 16 are formed can be previously set in the ink tank 10, so that the ink supply port 15 and the communication port 16 are used when the ink tank 10 is used. Can be formed. What is required of the ink tank 10 is that it can store ink, and it is not required to store ink previously.

The structure of the ink tank, which is integrally or non-separably with the recording head and injected in the main direction, has been described in the above embodiment, and the present invention is provided separately from the recording head and provides ink to generate a predetermined negative pressure. And a unit for feeding the recording head through the tube.

<2. Example of connection of ink tank, one-way valve and recording head>

Ink jet cartridge detachable from the ink jet recording apparatus by combining the recording head 20 and the ink tank 10 so that the one-way valve 30 having the recording head 20 and the ink tank 10 is not separated from each other. Although it is possible to configure the structure, both the recording head and the one-way valve or any one of them can be separated.

In this section, some embodiments of the mode of combining the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head will be described.

<2.1 First embodiment of the mode of combining the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head>

Fig. 18 shows a configuration in which the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20 are coupled so as not to be separated from each other, and the ink tank 10 and the one-way valve 10 are detachably coupled. In this embodiment, it is possible to replace the combination of the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20, the one-way valve 30 or the synthetic ink jet cartridge with a generally new one.

In the present invention, since each functional member is replaceable, only a component whose function is degraded can be replaced even when a decrease in function occurs during long-term use. Also, in the case where the same ink tank 10 is used for different recording heads or recording apparatuses, or when the use method is different from the method using the same recording head, the optimum negative pressure value applied to the recording head is different in each case. Can be. However, even when using the same ink tank 10, the negative pressure value can be freely set only by replacing the one-way valve 30, which contributes to producing a characteristic multifunctional system.

<2nd embodiment of the mode of combining the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head>

Fig. 19 shows a configuration in which the ink tank 10 and the one-way valve 30 are coupled so as not to be separated from each other, and the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20 are detachably coupled. In this embodiment, it is possible to replace the combination of the ink tank 10 and the one-way valve, the recording head 20 or the synthetic ink jet cartridge with a new one as a whole. The filter 23 may be provided in the ink tank 10.

In such a configuration, no specific parts are required to enable separation between the ink tank 10 and the one-way valve 30. Therefore, it is generally effective for cost reduction at the time of manufacture.

Optionally, the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20 may be detachably coupled, and the ink tank 10 and the one-way valve 30 may also be detachably coupled, such that the ink tank 10, recording Each of the head 20 and one-way valve 30 can be replaced with a new one. In this case, the filter 23 may be located in the ink tank 10.

Since the ink tank 10 and the one-way valve 30 are configured in a separable manner with respect to each other, there is no need for management to protect the one-way valve, which is a relatively precise component when arranging the ink tank 10, thus eliminating the need for an ink tank. Distribution with simple packaging can be realized.

2.3 Third Embodiment of Mode for Combining Ink Tank, One-Way Valve and Recording Head

Fig. 20 is a sectional view showing the third embodiment of the mode in which the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head are combined.

In this embodiment, the one-way valve 10 is integrally provided with a recording head chip (also referred to simply as " recording head " hereinafter) as shown. The ink tank is detachably provided to the one-way valve 30 in which the recording head 20 is integrally provided.

One-way valve 30 is provided in a part of the holder for holding the recording head 20, and hollow joint needle 238 is mounted on the valve, the needle is in communication with the channel opened or closed by the valve. . The one-way valve 30 is basically constituted by a sealing elastic body 233 mounted on the end and a movable member 231 having a spring 232 for urging the movable member 231 to operate in the direction of closing the valve. do. In particular, when the movable member 231 is pressed downward in shape by the spring 232 according to the difference in pressure exerted on both sides (both sides of the same in the vertical direction of the shape), the sealing elastic member 232 is Contact with another sealing elastomer 234 provided around the hole used as the atmospheric communication hole to close the valve. When the pressure difference presses the movable member 231 upward in the shape and the force is greater than the pressing force of the spring 232, the starting member 231 is operated upward to open the valve.

Although the needle valve is shown as a one-way valve by way of example, the diaphragm valve described above may be used. This is equally applicable to the fourth and subsequent embodiments of the mode of combining the one-way valve and the recording head.

A joint needle 228 for supplying ink is also provided on the recording head holder 22. The hollow in the needle communicates with the ink channel 227 with the filter 225 of the recording head 20. The recording head 20 has a plurality of ink discharge ports (not shown). Thermoelectric transducer elements (not shown) for generating thermal energy to generate bubbles of ink are provided in an ink path (not shown) in communication with each of the discharge ports. Ink is supplied from the ink tank to the ink path through the ink channel 227.

In summary, the ink tank 10 has a spring 215 for pressing the movable member 11 upward in shape and a flexible movable member 11 forming a part of the ink containing section. As described with reference to Figs. 21A, 21B and 21C, this configuration makes it possible to generate an appropriate range of negative pressure in order to form an appropriate meniscus at the ink discharge port of the recording head 20. Figs. In particular, the space on the movable member 11 in the ink tank 10 is covered by the outer casing 13, and the atmospheric communication port 12 is provided to the outer casing 13 to pressurize the atmospheric pressure to the movable member 11. It is possible to do The outer casing 13 is used as a shell for protecting the movable member 11 from external forces. The movable member 11 of this embodiment is constituted by a deformable flexible membrane (sheet member) whose central portion is controlled by the pressure plate 14 and which is deformable in the peripheral section. That is, the pressing force of the spring 215 can be transmitted to a relatively large area of the flexible membrane with the pressure plate 14. The movable member 11 has a convex shape and a trapezoidal side shape in the center section. As is apparent from the above, the actuation member 11 can be deformed in accordance with a change in the amount of ink and a change in pressure in the accommodation space. In such cases, the peripheral section of the movable member 11 is elongated and retracted or coordinated and deformed, and the central section of the movable member 11 moves up and down in a generally horizontal manner. Since the movable member 11 is deformed (moved) flexibly, deformation will occur without impact, and as a result, occurrence of abnormal pressure fluctuations due to impact in the accommodation space can be prevented. Even when a relatively large change occurs in the pressure or temperature of the outside air, as described above, the impact can be absorbed by the deformation of the movable member.

Rubber plugs 18 and 17 connecting the one-way valve 30 and the joint needle 228 to supply ink are provided at the bottom of the ink tank 10, respectively. As a result, the ink containing section becomes a completely sealed space that prevents leakage of ink when the ink tank is not mounted in the holder 22. The operation of mounting the ink tank 10 in the holder 22 is performed by inserting a joint needle into each rubber plug. As a result of the insertion, air or ink may be communicated through the joint needle holes 239 and 229 of the respective joint needle.

As mentioned above, the use of a one-way valve for injecting the atmosphere may cause the use of the contained ink due to breakage of the liquid seal due to various situations, such as drops, shocks or very large differences in the internal and external pressures that occur during operation of the ink tank. It is possible to infuse the atmosphere from the outside with good contrast to the above-described examples in the art using liquid seals where problems involving leakage may occur. In the example of the art, in order to properly form the meniscus in the liquid seal, the annular orifice must be designed according to specifications such as the capacity of the ink tank in which the liquid seal is used. As a result, it is not practical to use one type of fluid sealing unit in various ink tanks for general purposes. In contrast, one-way valves can be used for a relatively wide range of ink tanks because they depend on the modulus of elasticity of the springs used but do not involve the formation of meniscus.

As described above, for example, when the ink tank and the one-way valve are connected, the ink meniscus forms an ink meniscus in which the valve can operate properly even when the one-way valve is provided separately from the ink tank. In most cases it depends on the pressure in the absence of any particular process for the joint needle. Since the one-way valve does not cause any particular problem even when provided separately from the ink tank, as described above, there is no restriction on the position of the valve for injecting the atmosphere, and the degree of freedom in designing the recording apparatus is improved. .

In addition, due to the degree of freedom in design for the position where the valve is disposed as described above, the holder 22 holding the recording head 20 and the one-way valve 30 is a cartridge of the ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. It can be fixed on or constitute part of the cartridge. That is, the ink jet recording apparatus can be configured to have the capability of replacing ink alone by using a recording head having sufficient durability for the actual period of use of the apparatus, or by using an ink capable of maintaining the performance of recording during such period. . As a result, the operating cost of the apparatus can be considerably limited in the cost required for the tank replacement except for the recording medium such as paper.

The newly used initial state ink tank is completely filled with ink, and the spring 215 is fully elongated within an acceptable range representing the minimum negative pressure, or conversely, it is contemplated that some static pressure is present in the ink receiving chamber. However, high negative pressure may be present when the ink tank is mounted due to ambient conditions and transportation conditions. When the joint needle 228 of the recording head 20 enters the receiving space of the ink tank 10 before the joint needle 238 of the one-way valve, air can be injected through the one-way valve so that ink can be sucked from the recording head. A large negative pressure may act on the recording head 20 that exceeds the ability to hold an ink meniscus formed in the ink ejection port of the recording head before supplying a suitable negative pressure.

In this case, after the ink tank is completely mounted, the operation can be performed to discharge ink through the discharge port having the suction return device provided in the recording apparatus. However, in order to omit this process and to suppress ink consumption, a configuration in which the joint needle 238 of the one-way valve 30 enters the receiving space before the joint needle 228 of the recording head 20 is preferably used. . In particular, this configuration allows the joint needle 238 of the one-way valve 30 to become the joint needle 228 of the recording head 30 when the joint holes 239 and 229 are provided at the ends of the joint needles 238 and 228, respectively. It is longer than). In this configuration, the supply channel in the recording head is formed after the joint needle 238 of the one-way valve 30 presses down into the receiving space so as to provide an appropriate negative pressure through the air injection through the one-way valve 30.

21A, 21B and 21C show the adjustment of the negative pressure in the ink tank associated with the operation of supplying ink from the ink tank, which is the ink tank 10 shown in FIG.

Fig. 21A shows a state in which a small amount of ink is reached when the ink storage space is consumed from the initial state of the ink tank 10 filled with ink completely. Due to this ink consumption, the pressure in the storage space is reduced in accordance with the space corresponding to the volume of ink consumed, so that the movable member 11 is displaced downward. The displacement of the movable member 11 simultaneously generates a displacement of the spring 215, and the spring 215 generates an elastic force in accordance with the displacement to obtain an equilibrium state by the elastic force generation. The negative pressure of the storage space according to the elastic force in this equilibrium state is a negative pressure corresponding to the amount of ink at this time.

Fig. 21B shows a state where more ink is consumed to further displace the movable member 11 downward so that the movable member 11 reaches the maximum downward free displacement. That is, when ink is consumed further in this state, tension acts between the flexible membrane as the movable member and the portion holding the movable member to prevent displacement of the movable member 11.

If the ink is consumed further in this state, negative pressure is generated according to the sum of the elastic force and the tension of the spring 215 (only the tension changes the amount of ink). If the negative pressure exceeds a predetermined value in this process, the movable member 231 of the one-way valve 30 is displaced upward against the elastic force of the spring 232 due to the relationship between the atmospheric pressure and the negative pressure for opening the valve, and thus the external Air enters the storage space through the holes 239 of the joint needle 238. Therefore, the negative pressure is maintained at an appropriate value to adequately supply ink during the subsequent ink ejection operation of the recording head according to the operation, which makes it possible to use almost all the ink in the ink tank 10.

As described above, the pressure in the storage space is not reduced below a predetermined pressure, which makes it possible to always keep the negative pressure in the storage space in a predetermined range and stabilize the ink with the recording head 20 to perform a desired recording operation. Supply it.

When the air present in the storage portion expands as a result of a decrease in the pressure of the outside air or an increase in the ambient temperature, the movable member 11 is displaced upward. That is, the movable member 11 is displaced upward in accordance with the expansion of the air in the storage space to absorb the pressure change caused by the expansion of the air. Therefore, the pressure in the storage space does not increase beyond a predetermined value, and the predetermined pressure is always maintained in the storage space more reliably. In addition, the one-way valve 30 is kept closed to prevent the ink in the ink tank 10 from leaking even when the air in the storage space is expanded.

Since the one-way valve 30 prevents leakage of ink or air in the ink tank 10 to the outside, the ink in the ink tank 10 is connected to the communication port (regardless of the attitude or orientation of the ink tank 10 in use). 16) No leakage through Therefore, a specific limit is set on the attitude of the ink tank 10 in use.

<4th embodiment of the combined mode of the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head>

Fig. 22 is a sectional view showing the fourth embodiment of the combined mode of the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head.

In this embodiment, the ink tank, the recording head and the one-way valve are provided as separate elements. As shown in the figure, the ink tank 10 is held by a holder 22A integral with the recording head 20, and the recording head 20, together with the holder 22A, is a carriage provided in the ink jet recording apparatus. Is mounted on. In this structure, the joint needle 238 of the one-way valve 30 and the joint needle 228 for supplying ink of the recording head 20 when the ink tank 10 is mounted are provided with a rubber plug of the ink tank 10. Similar to the above embodiment in that they are respectively inserted into (18, 17).

In addition, the one-way valve of the present embodiment is provided separately from the ink tank, which obviously provides advantages similar to those mentioned in the above embodiment and provides other advantages described below with respect to the position where the one-way valve is disposed. That is, a one-way valve having a life longer than the life of the recording head is used as the one-way valve of this embodiment. Thus, the valve can be used even after the recording head is replaced with a new one, and as a result can be used for almost the same period as the life of the recording apparatus. As a result, the operating cost of the device can be reduced for the one-way valve.

<Fifth embodiment of the combined mode of the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head>

Fig. 23 is a sectional view showing the fifth embodiment of the combined mode of the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head.

In this embodiment, the ink tank and the recording head are integrally formed with each other and separated from the one-way valve. As shown in the figure, the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20 are integrally formed with each other. Specifically, the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20 are connected through an ink channel 27 having a filter 225 therein. The unit consisting of the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20 which are integrated with each other is mounted to the holder 22C. The one-way valve 30 is provided integrally with the holder 22C. In this structure, only the joint needle 238 of the one-way valve 30 is inserted into the rubber plug 18 of the ink tank 10 when the ink tank 10 is mounted.

In addition, the one-way valve of the present embodiment is provided separately from the ink tank, which obviously provides advantages similar to those mentioned in the above embodiments and provides other advantages described below with respect to the position where the one-way valve is disposed. For example, when special ink is used that can affect the durability of the recording head or ink tank, it is desirable to replace the recording head at the same time if the ink tank is replaced due to the consumption of ink. In contrast, the one-way valve may be fixed on the carriage of the ink jet recording apparatus or may constitute a part of the carriage as in the case of the holder 22 of the embodiment according to FIG. That is, a one-way valve having a life longer than the life of the recording head is used as the one-way valve of this embodiment. Thus, the valve can be used even after the recording head is replaced with a new one, and as a result can be used for almost the same period as the life of the recording apparatus. As a result, the operating cost of the device can be reduced for the one-way valve.

<6th embodiment of the combined mode of the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head>

Fig. 24 is a sectional view showing the sixth embodiment of the combined mode of the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head.

As shown in Fig. 24, in this embodiment, the one-way valve 30 is fixed at a predetermined position on the recording apparatus, the joint needle 238 and the valve 30 are coupled with the tube 235, and the joint needle. 238 is different from the three embodiments described above in that it is fixed to the holder 22D in the form of a carriage. On the contrary, the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20 are integrally formed with each other, and thus the integral unit is mounted in the holder 22D. The joint needle 238 fixed to the holder 22D is inserted into the rubber plug 18 of the ink tank 10 when the unit is mounted.

In addition, the one-way valve of the present embodiment is provided separately from the ink tank, which clearly provides advantages similar to those mentioned in the embodiment according to Fig. 20 and other advantages described below with respect to the position where the one-way valve is disposed. do. For example, if a one-way valve with high precision and consequently a relatively large size is used, the one-way valve increases the size of the recording device when provided on the carriage because the space occupied by the valve increases the size of the carriage. You can. Conversely, a valve with high precision can be used without increasing the size of the device by providing a one-way valve at a predetermined position that allows efficient use of the space of the device.

Although this embodiment using a tube relates to an example in which the ink tank and the recording head are integral with each other, the embodiment using the tube is not limited to such an case where the ink tank and the recording head are integral with each other, and are shown as separate elements. It will be apparent from the above description that the present invention can be applied to the structure shown in FIG.

<7th embodiment of the combined mode of the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head>

25 is an illustration of a modification of the embodiment according to FIG.

As shown in the figure, a buffer tank 236 is provided on the middle of the channel constituted by tubes 235A and 235B connecting the one-way valve 30 and the joint needle 238. The purpose is to prevent ink entering the tube 235A through the joint needle 238 from reaching the one-way valve 30 due to a relatively large change in the environment of the ink tank or impact on the device, whereby the one-way valve It is to prevent the operation of 30 from being adversely affected by the ink. Specifically, if ink flows into the tube 235A through the joint needle 238, the ink accumulates in the buffer tank 236 and prevents ink from flowing into the tube 235B directly connected to the one-way valve 30. It is possible to do Fig. 25 shows a state in which the lower end of the tube 235A is immersed in the ink accumulated in the buffer tank 236, but the ink in the buffer tank is ink tank 10 when external air is introduced through the one-way valve 30. The ink tank 10 is returned to the ink tank 10 in accordance with the relationship between the pressure inside and outside.

Although the movable member 11 is configured to be displaced to absorb a sudden increase in the pressure of the ink tank 10 described above, the buffering structure of the present embodiment is a vibration or pressure change of ink that cannot be absorbed by the displacement. In which case ink may flow into the tube.

26A and 26B schematically show a structure for mounting the above-described ink tank or recording head.

FIG. 26A shows a structure for mounting and fixing the ink tank 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Specifically, the click 23 provided on the upper end of the holder 22 engages the upper end of the ink tank 10 to secure the ink tank.

26b is an ink tank according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 23 in which the click 23 provided on the upper end of the holder 22C engages the groove 10a formed near the upper end of the ink tank 10 to secure the ink tank. The structure for mounting and fixing 10 is shown.

<2.9 modified example>

It is also possible that the atmosphere is introduced into the ink tank by force through the one-way valve to pressurize the ink tank, and it is also possible to maintain the pressure in the ink tank in an appropriate range.

In this regard, at least a part of the inner wall of the storage space of the ink tank may be constituted by a movable member such as a flexible film, and the inner wall may be alternately constituted by a rigid member which is not entirely movable.

<3. Other Embodiments of Ink Tanks Using One-Way Valves>

Although an atmospheric communication portion or a one-way valve is disposed in the side portion of the ink tank connected to the recording head in the above embodiments, the position of these elements is not limited to this embodiment, and may be provided at any suitable position. Embodiments are described below in which an atmospheric communication portion is provided on the movable member of the ink tank and a mechanism serving as a one-way valve is disposed in the container including the ink tank.

27A, 27B and 27C show the first embodiment. The ink tank 127 of this embodiment is stored in a container 130, which is almost the same as that shown in FIG. 9 in structure, and almost the same as that shown in FIG. The ink tank of this embodiment has a tank seat portion 106 and a pressure plate 109 instead of the air inlet opening 2 providing a communication port 16 on the same side of the frame 115 where the ink supply port 15 is located. It differs from the structure of FIG. 9 in that it is provided to extend through. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 130 is shown as storing a single ink tank, and the interior of the storage space of the container is exposed to the atmosphere through the atmospheric communication port 3.

FIG. 27A shows an expanded state of the ink tank 127 which reaches and fills the ink tank 127 including the ink 7. FIG. The ink 7 is supplied to the supply channel 136 through the filter 137 and further supplied to the heater board 134 provided to the head chip 133 as the ink consuming portion.

Referring to Fig. 27A, an air inflow opening 2 is formed in a portion where the pressure plate 109 constituting the ink tank 127 and the tank sheet portion 106 are joined. The air inlet opening 2 is closed by a sealing rubber 1 which functions as a sealing member mounted to the tank storage chamber 130 at a position associated with the air inlet opening 2. Between the ink tank 127 and the sealing rubber 1 which contributes to the contraction and expansion of the tank when the outer circumference of the air inlet opening 2 is flat and the air inlet opening 2 is closed by the sealing rubber 1. In that the deviation of the relative positional relationship must be prevented, the platen 109 as the movable member having the air inlet opening 2 is sufficiently flat to prevent deformation due to shrinkage and expansion of the ink tank 127. It is preferable that it is a member of the form of. In this embodiment, the planar member constituted by the SUS 304 is used as the pressure plate 109.

The air inlet opening 2 is a hole extending through the portion where the tank sheet 106 and the pressure plate 109 are coupled to achieve communication between the inside and the outside of the ink tank 127, and the air inlet opening is the air inlet When the opening is disposed away from the sealing rubber 1 or when the sealing state is released, an ink meniscus needs to be formed and sized to allow air to flow into this portion. In particular, it is preferred to have a diameter of 0.01 to 2 mm. The appropriate size may be selected in consideration of physical properties such as surface tension, viscosity of the ink used, and stiffness and elasticity of the ink sheet 106. The shape of the air inlet opening 2 is not limited to a circle, and an ellipse or polygonal shape having the above area can be adopted without particular limitation. In the sealing rubber 1 which is hermetically fitted to the air inlet opening 2, the sealing rubber 1 should be completely sealed when it comes into contact with the air inlet opening 2, and therefore preferably rubber, elastomer or elastic resin The same member is used. When the ink tank 127 is expanded, the sealing rubber 1 is compressed to some extent by expansion. In other words, the sealing rubber 1 is compressed at a predetermined size without a rod (uncompressed state). Thus, the repulsive force due to the expansion force of the ink tank 127 and the compression of the sealing rubber 1 ensures the sealing of the air inlet opening 2. It is also applied to the area around the air inlet opening 2 in which the sealing rubber 1 and the tank sheet 106 are hermetically contacted when grease with high resistance to the ink is needed, which advantageously improves the sealing properties. . Now, the operation made when the ink amount of the ink tank 127 is reduced as a result of ink consumption will be described. Fig. 27B shows the shrinking of the ink tank 127 as a result of the decrease in the internal volume of the ink tank where the ink consumption continues. Shrinkage occurs as a result of a decrease in the volume of ink in the ink tank, and the pressure plate 109 as the movable member is moved in the directions indicated by arrows A1 and A2. The region of the spring 107 is pressed in the same direction as a result of the movement of the pressure plate 109, and the repulsive force of the spring thus acts on the ink as negative pressure. Therefore, the negative pressure with respect to ink gradually increases as shrinkage of the ink tank 127 progresses.

In addition, the force for compressing the sealing rubber 1 is gradually reduced as the ink tank 127 shrinks, and the elasticity of the rubber causes the rubber to return the rubber to the initial predetermined size. Fig. 27B shows the state of the sealing rubber 1 just before being separated from the air inlet opening 2, in which the rubber is inflated to the maximum (rubber is returned to the initial predetermined size). In the same state, the sealing rubber 1 is not compressed, and the pressing force from the ink tank 127 starts to act on the sealing rubber 1.

Then, when more ink is consumed, the ink tank 127 is contracted so that the pressing force of the ink tank 127 acting on the sealing rubber 1 becomes virtually zero, and the sealing rubber 1 is shown in Fig. 27C. As is immediately disconnected from the air inlet opening (2). At this time, the air 4 flows into the ink tank 127 through the air inlet opening 2. The inflow of air 4 increases the internal volume of the tank, so that the tank seat 106 is in the direction or outside indicated by arrows B1 and B2 to bring the air inlet opening 2 back into contact with the sealing rubber 1. And the opening is sealed to immediately return to the state shown in FIG. 27B. In this state, the level 7a of the ink stored in the tank is clearly lower than the state shown in Fig. 27A. The operation entering the state of Figs. 27B and 27C is repeated, so that even when ink consumption proceeds, it becomes possible to always maintain the negative pressure of the tank in a predetermined range. An air of a volume substantially equal to the volume of ink consumed through the ink jet head is introduced into the ink tank. This makes it possible to completely exchange the introduced air with the ink in the ink tank and supply virtually the entire ink to the head, so that the ink in the tank can be consumed efficiently.

In addition, since the sealing rubber 1 is provided to expand and contract, the expansion of the air in the ink tank 127 or the decrease in the pressure of the outside air, which contributes to the increase in the ambient temperature of the ink tank 127, is caused by the spring 107. Through the operation of the movable member 109 is quickly absorbed by the expansion of the ink tank 127, the expansion of the ink tank 127 is absorbed by the expansion and contraction operation of the sealing rubber (1). This keeps the negative pressure of the ink tank 127 unchanged and improves the sealing between the air inlet opening 2 and the sealing rubber 1, so that there is no leakage of ink through the air inlet opening 2.

The configuration of this embodiment, which provides a mechanism for functioning as a one-way valve in a container including an ink tank, generally reduces the size of the ink tank and the size of the one-way valve. The use of the movable member provided in the ink tank reduces the number of parts and the manufacturing cost used for the one-way valve.

3.2 Second Embodiment

28A to 28C show an embodiment in which the sealing member shown in Figs. 27A to 27C is used in another mode. In this case, a sealing member 311 moved in the shrinking direction of the ink tank 127 is provided instead of the sealing rubber 1 in Figs. 27A to 27C. As shown in Fig. 28D, the sealing member 311 is composed of two disks 311A and 311C formed from a resin material and a shaft 311B connecting them. First, the disk 311A and the shaft 311B are joined to each other using machine screws or adhesive, and the joined elements are inserted from the inside through the holes 9 provided on the wall of the ink storage chamber 130. At this time, the coil spring 8 wound around the shaft 311B is interposed between the disk 311A and the ink storage chamber 130. Accordingly, the shaft 311B and the disk 311C are joined to each other using machine screws or adhesive to form the sealing member 311, and the sealing member 311 is mounted on the wall of the ink storage chamber 130. . The spring constant of the coil spring 8 is set to a value lower than the spring constant of the spring 107 in the ink tank. Although the sealing member 311 of this embodiment is formed of a resin material, this does not limit the present invention. For example, it may be formed of a metal material.

In this embodiment, since the coil spring 8 is used as a member for generating a sealing force, it is possible to control the negative pressure more accurately, so as to ensure the sealing ability using the sealing rubber shown in Figs. 27A to 27C. Better durability can be obtained.

Now, the operation of the ink supply apparatus of this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described.

28A shows the expanded state of the ink tank 127. The pressing force of the pressure plate 109 due to the expansion of the ink tank 127 presses the sealing member 311 to protrude out of the ink storage chamber. At this time, the coil spring 8 is contracted.

Subsequently, it enters the state shown in Fig. 28B as a result of the ink consumption. The ink tank 127 contracts in the same manner as described with reference to Figs. 27A to 27C, and the pressure plate 109 moves in the directions indicated by arrows A1 and A2. At this time, the sealing member 311 follows the movement of the pressure plate 109 in the direction indicated by arrow A2 by the spring force of the coil spring 8. During this operation, the air inlet opening 2 is kept sealed by the disk 311A of the sealing member 311. Since the sealing member 311 is actually a hard part and can only be moved at a distance equal to the length of the shaft 311B, the disk 311C eventually comes into contact with the outer wall surface of the ink storage member 130 in the state shown in Fig. 28B. . This state is substantially the same as that shown in Fig. 27B in the above embodiment.

If the ink consumption continues further, the sealing member 311 and the air inlet opening 2 are separated from each other to release the sealing of the air inlet opening 2. Thereafter, air is immediately introduced through the air inlet opening 2 shown in Fig. 28C to increase the internal volume of the tank. As a result, the tank seat 106 expands in or out of the directions indicated by arrows B1 and B2, and the air inlet opening 2 is immediately sealed by the sealing member 311 to return to the state of FIG. 28B again. In this state, the level of stored ink becomes apparently lower than the state shown in Fig. 28A. The operation entering the state of Figs. 28B and 28C is repeated to keep the pressure in the tank in a predetermined range even when ink consumption proceeds.

In order to improve the sealing between the air inlet opening 2 and the sealing member 311, a rubber sheet is applied on the surface of the disk 311A of the sealing member 311 in contact with the tank sheet 106 and the air inlet opening Similarly to (2), it is advantageous to apply grease that raises the resistance to ink around the area concerned.

3.3 Third Embodiment

Fig. 29 shows an embodiment in which the spring provided to the ink tank 127 is changed from the leaf spring to the coil spring, and the rest of the configuration is the same as in Fig. 27A. In this embodiment, the ink tank 127 is contracted and expanded in the same manner as the first embodiment by the coil spring 5, and the sealing rubber 1 operates similarly to reduce the negative pressure in the ink tank 127. It keeps in a predetermined range.

In this embodiment, a coil spring is used as the spring used for the ink tank 127. The coil spring is easy to follow the displacement of the inclination direction of the pressure plate 109. Even when the sealing surfaces of the sealing rubber 1 and the pressing plate 109 are not parallel, the pressing plate 109 is easily in close contact with the sealing surface of the sealing rubber 1, thereby improving the sealing force.

<3.4 fourth embodiment>

Figure 30 shows an embodiment in which a portion of the tank sheet is coupled with the inner wall of the tank storage chamber 130, and the ink tank 227 is composed of a tank sheet 206 that contracts and expands only on one side. Therefore, in this embodiment, only one pressing plate 109 acts as a movable member. Also in this case the spring provided to the ink tank is a conical coil spring 6. The tank sheet 206 is in contact with or in the direction indicated by the arrow C as ink is consumed, and the pressure plate 109 moves simultaneously into the tank so that the movable member also functions in this configuration.

As a result, the air inlet opening 2 is separated from the sealing rubber 1 and introduces air through the air inlet opening 2 in the same manner as described in the first embodiment. The introduction of air causes the tank to expand outwardly or in the direction indicated by the arrow D, which in turn causes an increase in the internal volume of the ink tank 227 to return the air inlet opening 2 and the sealing rubber 1 again. Ensure close contact with each other. These operations are repeated to make it possible to keep the negative pressure in the ink tank within a predetermined range.

<3.5 fifth embodiment>

In Fig. 31, the air inlet opening 12 is provided over the ink tank 127 having the same configuration as that in the embodiment according to Figs. 27A, 27B and 27C, and the sealing rubber for closing the air inlet opening is air. It is a sealing rubber 21 which has a partially conical shape to come into contact with the introduction opening 12. This shape provides the following advantages. Since the air inlet opening 12 is located at the top, the air introduced therethrough passes through the ink when a large amount of ink is present in the tank or when the level of ink 7A is higher than the air inlet opening 12. . Therefore, when the residual ink amount becomes low as a result of ink consumption, the air introduced through the atmospheric introduction opening 12 flows directly into the section where air is accumulated without passing through the ink. This makes it possible to prevent bubbling that otherwise occurs when air bubbles pass through the ink. The configuration of this embodiment is particularly preferable when the amount of ink in the ink tank 127 where the bubbling of the ink is more adversely affected is small.

The conical shape of the sealing rubber 21 allows a more reliable sealing than is achieved when the air inlet openings 2 are closed adjacent to each other in a planar configuration.

3.6 Sixth Embodiment

In Fig. 32, the pressure plate 309 and the coil spring 25 are outside of the ink tank 327 constituted by the tank sheet 306, part of which is coupled to the inner wall of the tank holding chamber and only one side thereof contracts and expands. Is provided. The coil spring 25 is pressed in the direction in which the ink tank 327 is inflated or in the direction indicated by the arrow F in the drawing. The pressure plate 309 and the coil spring 25 can be joined using spot welding similar to the method described with reference to FIG. 11A, and the pressure plate 309 and the tank seat 306 are described with reference to FIG. 11B. Can be bonded using a thermal bond similar to. The inner wall of the tank holding chamber 130 and the coil spring 25 can be joined using known methods such as joining or fitting. The tank sheet 306 constituting the ink tank 327 shrinks in the direction or inward indicated by the arrow E as the ink is consumed, and the pressure plate 309 simultaneously in this case also acts as a movable member. Moved inward from As a result, the air introduction opening 2 is separated from the sealing rubber 1 and introduces air through the air introduction opening 12 in the same manner as described in the embodiment according to Fig. 27A. The introduction of air and the action of the coil spring 25 cause the tank to expand outwardly or in the direction indicated by the arrow F, which in turn results in an increase in the internal volume of the ink tank 327 resulting in an atmospheric inlet opening 12. And the sealing rubber 31 are brought into intimate contact with each other again. These operations are repeated to make it possible to keep the negative pressure in the ink tank within a predetermined range.

Although any of the above embodiments has been described as having an arrangement in which the spring is provided outside or inside the ink tank as the elastic member, depending on the rigidity of the film to be used as the tank sheet, when the sheet can be shrunk or expanded by the rigidity of the film without providing the spring. Provision of the elastic member is not essential. Also, when the two pressure plates as movable members are provided at positions facing each other, the elastic members are provided between them. However, this does not limit the present invention, and an elastic member may be provided between the inner wall of the ink holding chamber and the mounting position of each movable member outside the sheet.

The sealing member constituted by the spring and the rubber or the shaft which can be displaced in a certain range is referred to as the sealing member in each embodiment, but fluid (ink and air) is introduced through the atmospheric introduction opening even when the air in the ink holding section expands. It is not essential that the sealing member is constituted by a displaceable elastic member so long as it is constructed similar to a one-way valve capable of preventing leakage and introducing air into the ink tank as an ink holding section at a predetermined pressure. In particular, the wall of the ink tank holding chamber 130 described in each embodiment can be used as the sealing member. When a configuration in which the sealing member is not displaced is used, as shown in the first, second and fourth embodiments, since the movable member having no air inlet opening can be moved in response to the peripheral change when there is air in the tank. It is more preferable to provide the same plurality of movable members.

In the case of the liquid container according to the present invention having an elastic member for pressurizing the movable member and using the elastic member as a sealing member, the ink allows the movable member to move to a certain distance (buffer space) when air is introduced into the tank. The sealing member preferably has an elastic force less than the elastic force of the elastic member for pressing the movable member because it makes it possible to increase the amount of ink that can be initially filled when the pressure in the tank is below a predetermined value.

The air inlet opening may be provided in any position of the region constituting the ink holding section except the ink supply port as the liquid supply port, but the ink holding section is also described in each of the embodiments described above to allow more stable introduction of air. It is desirable to provide this on the movable member when constructed by a rigid movable member as in.

Although the configuration in which one color of ink is retained in a single ink tank has been described above, a color inkjet print head arranges three or four ink tanks holding different color inks in an ink tank holding chamber and has different groups of nozzles in the ink tank. It can be obvious that the configuration can be made by connecting each. For example, when a plurality of ink tanks are held as shown in Fig. 16, partitions may be provided between the ink tanks, and members serving as one-way valves may be provided on the partitions.

<4. Preferred Embodiments of Positioning of the Moving Member>

A description is now given of a preferred configuration for preventing ambient air from entering the ink tank.

The explanation is based on the discovery of the mechanism of penetration of gas through the membrane described below.

<4. 1 Mechanism of Gas Penetration>

There are two main mechanisms of penetration of gas molecules through any material. One is a capillary phenomenon and the other is a mechanism of activated and diffused flow. The former is different from the mechanism solved by the present invention in that flow occurs through a capillary tube such as a needle hole. On the other hand, the latter is a mechanism that plays an important role in the present invention with the flow of gas molecules during the penetration of gas molecules through a plastic membrane that is substantially free of pores. This mechanism for activation and diffusion flow is described.

In the case of activation and diffusion flows, the gas in the first zone is introduced through the membrane into the second zone as described below.

First, molecules of gas in the first zone condense on the surface of the membrane and dissolve into the membrane. The dissolution concentration is proportional to the partial pressure of gas in the first zone. The gas molecules dissolved into the membrane are then driven out of the membrane after reaching the surface of the second zone on the side of the second zone by driving towards the second zone with low concentration due to diffusion by the concentration gradient in the membrane. That is, gas molecules pass through the membrane in three steps: dissolution, diffusion and desortion.

For example, the present invention has been made under the assumption that molecules of a gas such as oxygen or nitrogen penetrate through the flexible material (membrane) that constitutes the liquid container from the first zone outside the vessel to the second zone within the vessel. .

First, assume that a gas having a negative pressure is present in the second zone in the vessel. In this case, the driving force for gas to penetrate from the first zone to the second zone is the negative pressure in the vessel and the osmotic pressure of the gas. Since the liquid component (eg, moisture) in the second zone is assumed to be substantially saturated, there is no substantial difference between the partial pressures of oxygen or nitrogen molecules in the first zone outside the vessel and the second zone in the vessel. Even if there is a difference between the concentrations of the liquid component in the first and second zones. Thus, the osmotic pressure of the gas is generated with a driving force to permeate the gas from the first zone to the second zone to reduce the concentration of the liquid component in the second zone. As a result, the amount of oxygen or nitrogen molecules that penetrate from the first zone to the second zone is determined by the difference between the pressures in the first and second zones, including the two pressures (negative pressure and osmotic pressure), the surface area of the membrane and the penetration. It is proportional to the duration and inversely proportional to the thickness of the membrane as described below.

Next, assume that only liquid is present in the second zone. In this case, a significant difference occurs in the divergence mechanism, which is the third stage of the mechanism of activation and diffusion flow. In general, oxygen or nitrogen molecules are poorly soluble in the liquid and are saturated in the liquid during normal use. That is, even when gas molecules reach the surface of the membrane on the side of the second zone, the gas molecules cannot diverge from the membrane because the second zone in the liquid state is saturated with gas molecules. Thus, penetration of oxygen or nitrogen molecules is very strongly suppressed when the second zone is liquid.

Thus, what can be considered to effectively prevent the ingress of gas into the liquid container is the portion of the container located between the gas zone of the container and the atmospheric zone outside the container.

Usually, the mechanism of penetration of gas through the membrane is expressed by the following equation.

Q = GΔpSt / T

Where Q [g] represents the amount of gas moving, G [g · m / atm · m ^{2 ·} s] represents the gas permeation coefficient into the membrane material, and Δp is the area between the zones separated by the material. The pressure difference is shown, S [m ² ] is the surface area of the membrane, T [m] is the thickness of the membrane, and t [s] is the elapsed time.

Among these variables, Δp is the pressure difference between the region in the vessel and the region outside the vessel (around) having a magnitude that is the sum of the pressure difference generated by the negative pressure in the vessel and the osmotic pressure caused by the concentration difference between the liquid components. Indicates. The inside of the container is maintained at negative pressure to prevent the liquid in the container from leaking out. It is difficult to reduce the pressure difference Δp in order to suppress the penetration of gas into the vessel. Increasing the thickness T of the film M may impair the function of the film because the flexibility decreases as a result of the increase in rigidity when the film is used as a flexible member.

Therefore, it is effective to reduce the surface area S of the inner surface of the container in contact with the gas present in the container in order to suppress the permeation of the gas into the container. That is, by minimizing the contact between the flexible member or the gas and the member that is highly permeable to the gas in the vessel, permeation of the gas through the member into the vessel can be effectively prevented. Good positioning of the movable member relative to posture or direction in use is made based on this finding.

<4.2 Configuration of Embodiments>

33 is a view of a liquid container (ink tank) constructed on the basis of the foregoing discovery.

The space (container section, S1) for storing the liquid L is formed by the rigid container main body 411 and the flexible sheet (flexible member) in the container 410. The sheet 412 is urged in the direction of expanding the storage space S by the spring 414 through the downward or rigid pressing plate 413 in FIG. As a result, the storage section S1 is placed under a predetermined negative pressure. As shown in FIG. 33, in the unused state of the container 410 in which the stored liquid L is not used at all, the sheet 412 is deformed downward in FIG. 33 to minimize the storage space S1. The container 410 is used with the seat 412 located at the bottom thereof, as shown in FIG. Thus, when container 410 is used, seat 412 is positioned downward in the direction of gravity. That is, the sheet 412 is located below the middle of the storage space S1 in the gravity direction. The liquid supply hole 415 is provided at the bottom of the storage space S1, and the atmospheric communication portion 416 is provided at the top of the main body 411. The space S2 is formed in the container 410 under the sheet 412, and the space S2 is exposed to the atmosphere at the communicating portion 417.

In this embodiment, the one-way valve 430 is mounted on the atmospheric communication portion 416 provided on the upper portion of the main body 411, the one-way valve is a spring 421, pressure receiving plate 422 It is an opening / closing mechanism having a sex member 423 and a sealing member 424. The pressure receiving plate 422 and the flexible member 423 are formed with the air holes 422A and the air holes 423A, respectively, and springs to close the air holes 422A and 423A as shown in FIG. 421 presses the flexible member 423 against the sealing member 424 via the pressure receiving plate 422. The opening / closing mechanism is opened and closed by a pressure difference existing between the inside of the storage space S1 and the outside air. In particular, when the negative pressure in the storage space S1 has not reached a predetermined size, the air holes 422A and 423A are closed to prevent the introduction of external air into the storage space S1 as shown in FIG. . When the negative pressure in the storage container S1 is equal to or larger than a predetermined size, the pressure receiving plate 422 and the fusible member 423 are displaced downward with respect to the pressing force of the spring 414 to open the air holes 422A and 423A. Accordingly, the outside air is introduced into the storage space S1 through the air holes 422A and 423A and the air introduction opening 416.

As a result, the negative pressure in the storage space S1 is maintained in a predetermined range. The magnitude of the negative pressure for introducing external air into the storage space S1 can be easily and accurately set by changing the strength of the spring 421.

More specifically, the operation of the one-way valve 430 is as follows. The following description is made on the assumption that the ink as the liquid L is stored in the storage space S1 and supplied to the ink jet recording head through the drawing portion or the supply portion 15. The recording head may use thermal energy generated by the thermoelectric converter as energy for ejecting ink. In such a case, film boiling of the ink may be caused by the heat generated by the thermoelectric converter, or the ink may be ejected from the ink ejecting portion by foaming by the energy generated at that time. When the storage space S1 is sufficiently filled with ink as shown in Fig. 33, the expansion force (reaction force due to compression) according to the size of the compression and displacement of the spring 414 in the pressurized state is transferred through the pressure plate 413. 412 acts on. The direction of the crush force acts in the downward direction in FIG. 33 or the direction of expansion of the spring 414. At this time, the inward pressure of the storage space S1 acts in the storage space S1. In particular, the pressure P1 in the storage space S1 has a value of a negative signal (negative pressure) under the assumption that the atmospheric pressure is "0". That is, the negative pressure P1 generated in the storage space S1 acts in a direction opposite to the direction of the force provided by the spring 414. Therefore, since the negative pressure P1 acts in the storage space S1, the negative pressure acts on the meniscus at the ink discharge nozzle in the recording head, thereby preventing the ink from leaking out of the ink discharge portion provided on the recording head. .

In this state, the air holes 422A and 423A are closed by the sealing member 424 in the valve chamber of the one-way valve. In addition, the negative pressure P1 in the storage space S1 acts in the valve chamber through the communicating portion 416. The expansion force of the spring 421 also acts in the valve chamber, and the expansion force acts upward in FIG. 33 or in the expansion direction of the spring 421. That is, the direction of the pressure exerted by the spring 421 in the valve chamber is the same as the expansion direction of the spring 421. The pressure P2 in the valve chamber required to seal the air holes 422A, 423A with the sealing member 424 is greater than the absolute value or magnitude of the negative pressure P1. In particular, the one-way valve is kept sealed by keeping the force generated from the spring 421 and the flexible member 423 greater than the negative pressure acting on it.

When the ink is further ejected from the recording head to reduce the amount of ink remaining in the storage space S1, the negative pressure P1 in the storage space S1 is also increased accordingly.

In particular, as a result of the reduction of the amount of ink remaining in the storage space S1, the internal volume of the storage space S1, which is an enclosed space, is also substantially reduced, so that the sheet 412 is moved upward. The displacement of the seat 412 is accompanied by the upward displacement of the pressure plate, causing the compression of the spring 414 to proceed. The progress of compression of the spring 414 means an increase in the expansion force of the same, which leads to an increase in the negative pressure P1 in the storage space S1.

The increase in the negative pressure in the storage space S1 eventually balances the pressure P2 in the valve chamber of the one-way valve.

The one-way valve remains sealed until this time. Therefore, the negative pressure P1 is further increased, and the sealing member 424 becomes unable to seal the air holes 422A and 423A depending on the pressure P2 in the valve chamber. The seal of the hole is released at that moment.

As a result, the atmosphere enters through the air holes 422A and 423A and is introduced into the storage space S1 through the communicating portion 416. The introduction of the atmosphere increases the volume capacity of the storage space S1 which has been reduced and at the same time reduces the negative pressure which has been increased. As a result of the decrease in the negative pressure P1, the air holes 422A, 423A of the one-way valve are again sealed by the sealing member 424.

Therefore, the change in the negative pressure P1 becomes very small, and the consumption of the ink proceeds while the substantially constant negative pressure value is maintained. Subsequently, the negative pressure P1 is increased again and whenever the sealing member 424 cannot seal depending on the pressure 424 in the valve chamber, the negative pressure P1 is reduced by unsealing the air holes 422A, 423A. . The one-way valve repeats this operation to maintain the negative pressure P1 in the storage space S1 within a predetermined range. Therefore, the recording head can use the ink in the storage chamber S1 to the bottom while maintaining a stable discharge state.

Thus, in this embodiment, the negative pressure in the storage space S1 keeps the force of the one-way valve balanced to close the opening as a result of the ink consumption in the storage chamber and the negative pressure in the storage space S1 keeps the ink. When increased with use, the one-way valve opens the opening to introduce air into the storage space S1. The introduction of the atmosphere increases the volumetric capacity of the storage space S1 and at the same time reduces the negative pressure therein, causing the one-way valve to close the opening.

34A, 34B, and 34C are diagrams illustrating the above-described situation of the container 410. One-way valve 430 is schematically shown in these figures.

As shown in Figure 34A, the container 410 is used in a posture or direction in which the seat 412 is positioned downward in the direction of gravity. When the liquid L in the container 410 is supplied outward through the liquid supply 415, the sheet 412 first springs 414 according to the amount of the liquid L supplied as shown in FIG. 34B. Is deformed upward with respect to the pressing force of, and the volume of the storage space S1 is reduced while the negative pressure remains unchanged. In Fig. 34B, the sheet 412 is deformed upward to the very end, and the buffer area is provided in the form of a volume reduction of this storage space S1 accompanied by the deformation of the sheet 412. The buffer area is an area for absorbing the variation in pressure in the storage space S1 accompanying the deformation of the sheet 412. The change in the pressure in the storage space S1 is due to the thermal expansion of the gas (air) in the storage space S1.

When the liquid L in the container 410 is further supplied outward, as shown in Fig. 34C, air can replace the supplied liquid L without further deformation of the sheet 412 provided with the buffer area. It is introduced through the atmospheric communication portion 416 so that. That is, air is introduced through the atmospheric communication portion 416 to maintain the negative pressure in the storage space S1 as a result of the decrease in the pressure in the storage space S1 due to the supply of the liquid L. As shown in FIG.

Thus, the container 410 is liquid L outward from the unused state shown in Fig. 34A in which the liquid L stored in the storage space S1 is not consumed at all until the buffer area is provided as shown in Fig. 34B. ), And the feeding operation is accompanied by deformation of the seat 412. Thus, the liquid L is supplied to the outside with the air introduced through the atmospheric communication portion 416 as shown in Fig. 34C. Therefore, the liquid L in the storage space S1 is supplied to the outside with stability under a predetermined negative pressure.

Fig. 35 is a view of the container 410 in the use of the state where the introduced air is accumulated on the upper part inside the storage space S1. The concentration of the vapor of the liquid stored in the air in the storage space S is almost saturated, and the concentration of the vapor differs significantly from that of the outside air. Thus, as described above, the osmotic pressure of the gas is generated between the inner region of the storage space S1 where air is present and the outside air, and the osmotic pressure acts on the main body 411 in contact with the air in the storage space S1. As indicated by arrows in FIG. 35, external gas is allowed to penetrate into the storage space S1. In addition, since the storage space S1 has a negative pressure to prevent the liquid L from leaking, a pressure difference exists between the space and the outside. The pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the storage space S1 generates a force that allows the external gas to penetrate into the storage space S1. This gas permeation amount is represented by the expression present in the first half of the specification.

In the present embodiment, since the region of the container 410 in contact with the gas (air) in the storage space S1 is a main body that is rigid (non-flexible), permeation of the external gas into the storage space S1 is mainly performed. It can be prevented by employing a material having a low gas permeability (eg, a metal) such as the material of the body 411.

Thus, as described, the flexible sheet 412 is provided downward in the direction of gravity to prevent the osmotic pressure of the gas from acting on it, which is used even when a flexible member having high gas permeability as the flexible member is used. It is possible to suppress the amount of gas seeping through 412. Thus, the buffering mechanism entrained by the deformation of the sheet 412 can fully function to absorb the change in pressure in the storage space S1 even when the liquid L is stored for a long time, which in turn results in the liquid L ) And to prevent breakage of the container 410.

<4.3 change>

It is not essential that the flexible member is provided in the liquid reservoir of the liquid container, and the shape is made up of a plurality of materials in which the liquid reservoir is different in gas permeability and the material having high gas permeability is downward in the direction of gravity when the container is used. It is possible to be located. The liquid container according to the present invention can be used in a wide range as a container for storing various liquids in addition to ink.

For example, as shown in FIG. 36, instead of supplying a flexible member formed of a material having a higher gas permeability than the rigid (non-flexible) main body 411 in the downward direction of gravity in use, a multilayer (ie, bilayer) The flexible member 412 'having a structural shape can be used to eject ink between layers due to osmotic force or to isolate a region inside and outside the ink tank with the ink layer, so that gas enters the ink tank. Prevent it. This makes it possible to relax the restriction in the direction or attitude of the ink tank in use and to increase the degree of freedom in designing the ink tank or recording apparatus. Moreover, it is possible to prevent gas from entering the ink tank more efficiently in transportation while the ink tank can be in various postures.

<5. Ink Tank Design Conditions>

5.1 Working Principle of the One-way Valve of Another Embodiment of the Present Invention

Figure 37 shows a liquid container in another embodiment of the present invention, in which a liquid container having an ink jet recording head 520 (hereinafter referred to as "recording head") is integrally mounted there. Liquid containers (hereinafter referred to as " ink containers ") are generally constituted by two chambers, an ink storage chamber 510 and a valve chamber 530, in which ink storage space 510A is defined, and two chambers. The interiors of are in communication with each other via a communication channel 517. Ink discharged from the recording head 520 is filled in the ink storage chamber 510 and supplied to the recording head 520.

The discharge of ink from the recording head 520 is not limited to any particular method, and for example, thermal energy generated by the electrothermal transducer may be used as energy for discharging ink. In this case, film boiling is generated in the ink by the head generated by the electrothermal transducer, and the ink can then be discharged through the ink discharge port by foaming energy.

A movable member 511 having a movable portion is disposed in a portion of the ink storage chamber 510, and a space for storing ink is defined between this portion and the outer casing 513. As shown in FIG. When viewed from the space on the right side of the movable member 511 or the movable member 511 of Fig. 37, the space outside the ink storage space 510A enters the atmosphere through the atmospheric communication port 512 to have a pressure equivalent to the atmospheric pressure. Exposed. Moreover, a substantially sealed space is formed in the ink storage space 510A except for the ink supply port 512 provided at its bottom and the valve chamber 530 serving as the valve section and the communication channel 517 between the space. .

The outer casing 513 defines the ink storage space 510A and also serves as a shell for protecting the movable member 511 from external force. The movable member 511 of this embodiment is constituted by a deformable flexible film (sheet member) whose center portion is configured by a support plate 514 which is a support member in the shape of a flat plate and is deformable at its periphery. The flexible member 511 has a convex shape at the center and a trapezoidal side shape. As described later, the movable member 511 is deformed in accordance with a change in the amount of ink in the ink storage space 510A and a change in the pressure of the same. In this case, the periphery of the movable member 511 is expanded and contracted or deformed with excellent balance, and the central portion of the movable member 511 makes a parallel displacement in the horizontal direction of the shape while maintaining the substantially vertical posture direction of the same. Therefore, since the movable member 511 is deformed (moved) gently, the deformation does not cause an impact and there is no abnormal pressure fluctuation due to the impact in the ink storage space.

In the ink storage space 510A, the support plate 514 which generates negative pressure within a range in which the ink ejection operation of the recording head can be performed in equilibrium with the ability to maintain a meniscus formed in the ink ejection portion of the recording head 520. The spring member 515 is provided in the form of a compression spring to apply a pressing force for pressing the movable member 511 to the right through the shape. Figure 37 shows that the ink reservoir 510A is substantially completely filled with ink, and the spring member 515 is compressed to generate an appropriate negative pressure in the ink storage space in this state.

The recording head 520 and the ink storage chamber 510 are connected by inserting a supply tube 521 provided on the recording head into the ink storage chamber 510. This establishes a fluid connection between those causing ink to be supplied to the recording head 520. The sealing member 524 is mounted around the supply tube 521 to ensure a seal between the supply tube 521 and the ink storage chamber 510. The filter 523 is provided to the supply tube 521 to prevent any foreign matter present in the supplied ink from flowing into the recording head 520.

The valve chamber 530 will now be described. The interior of the valve chamber 530 is in communication with the ink storage space 510A through the communication channel 517. In this embodiment, the communication channel 517 is formed using a pipe formed of stainless steel with an inner diameter of 0.2 mm. Moreover, a sealing member 538 formed of rubber is mounted around the stainless steel to improve the sealing around the communication channel.

In the valve chamber 530, a valve closing member having an opening 536 that is an element of a one-way valve and a valve closing plate 534 serving as a valve sealing member 537 for sealing the opening 536 are provided. . The valve closing plate 534 is connected to the flexible seat 531. Opening 536 extends through valve closure plate 534 and flexible seat 531. The actual sealing space is also maintained in the valve chamber 530 except for the communication channel 517 and the opening 536. In this configuration the space above the flexible sheet 531 is exposed to the atmosphere at an atmospheric communication port 512 having a pressure equal to atmospheric pressure. The outer casing 533 of the valve chamber 530 also acts as a shell to protect the flexible seat 531 from external forces.

The flexible seat 531 is also deformable in its peripheral region except for the central portion that is connected to the valve closing plate. It has a convex shape at the center and a trapezoidal side shape. This shape allows the valve closing plate 534 to slowly move up and down.

The valve chamber 530 is provided with a valve regulating spring 535 as a valve regulating member for regulating the opening operation of the valve. The valve adjustment spring 535 is somewhat compressed to press upward on the valve closing member 534 in its shape using a repulsive force against compression. The function of the valve is done by inflating and compressing the valve regulating spring 535 which makes the valve sealing member 537 adhere to the opening 536 and separates them from each other, and the gas is provided with the opening 536 to provide a one-way valve mechanism. And only enters the valve chamber from the atmospheric communication port 532 through.

What is needed for the valve sealing member 537 is to seal the opening 536 reliably. In particular, at least some of the contacts in contact with the openings 536 are required to have a shape that is tightly sealed to the openings, and there is no specific limitation of the quality of the material if close contact can be achieved. However, since such close contact is performed by the expansion force of the valve adjustment spring 535, the valve sealing member 537 is the valve seat moved by the action of the flexible seat 531 and the expansion force, that is, elastic elastic material such as rubber More preferably, it is formed of a material that can easily follow the plate 534.

The operation of the ink container of this embodiment having the above shape is explained with reference to Figs. 38A to 38E.

Fig. 38A shows the state of the same in which the ink storage space is sufficiently filled with ink sufficiently. In this state, since the spring member 515 is compressed, the expansion force F1 (repulsive force originating from compression) according to the amount of displacement as a result of the compression acts on the movable member 511 via the support plate 514. At this time, with respect to the direction of the expansion force F1, it acts in the right direction or the expansion direction of the spring member 515 in Fig. 38A, which direction is indicated by a positive indication in the following description. At this time, the pressure of the ink storage space 510A acts inwardly of the chamber. In other words, the pressure P1 acting on the ink storage space 510A has a valve with a negative indication (negative pressure) according to the above rules for the indication under the assumption that the atmospheric pressure is "0". Therefore, when the surface area of the support plate 514 to which the spring member 515 is connected is represented by S1, the negative pressure generated in the ink storage space at this time can be expressed as follows.

[Equation 1]

P1 = -F1 / S1

In other words, the negative pressure generated in the ink storage space is directed opposite to the direction of the force provided by the spring member 515.

Therefore, since the negative pressure acts on the ink storage chamber, the negative pressure P1 is a mence at the ink discharge nozzle of the recording head 520 to prevent the leakage of ink from the ink discharge port provided on the recording head 520. Also acts on the curse.

In this state, the opening 536 is sealed by the sealing member 537 of the valve chamber 530. With respect to the pressure of the valve chamber 530, the negative pressure P1 is applied through the communication channel 517 between the chamber and the ink storage space 510A. The inflation force of the valve adjustment spring 535 acts on the valve chamber 530. Let's express the expansion force as "F2". Next, the inflation force F2 acts in the direction of expansion of the valve adjustment spring 535 or upward of FIG. 38A and has a positive indication. Represent the surface area of the engagement surface of the valve closing plate 534 to which the valve adjustment spring 535 is coupled as "S2". Next, the direction of the pressure exerted by the valve control spring 535 in the valve chamber 530 as the force acting on the valve chamber coincides with the expansion direction of the valve control spring 535 and is indicated by a positive indication. When the pressure is expressed as "P2", the following relationship exists.

[Equation 2]

P2 = F2 / S2

In order for the opening 536 to be sealed with the valve sealing member 537, the pressure P2 and the negative pressure P1 must satisfy the following relationship.

[Equation 3]

-P1 <P2

Then, equations 2 and 3 are derived from the following relationship.

[Equation 4]

-P <F2 / S2

That is, the one-way valve is sealed by keeping the force provided with the valve adjustment spring 535 and the valve closing plate 534 operating against the negative pressure greater than the internal negative pressure.

The discharge of ink from the recording head 520 reduces the amount of ink remaining in the ink holding space 510A, and accordingly the negative pressure of the ink holding space 510A increases.

Figure 39 shows the relationship between the negative pressure in the ink holding space 510A and the amount of ink remaining or supplied therefrom. When ink consumption continues, a change from the state of FIG. 38A to the state in FIG. 38B occurs. The internal amount of the ink holding space 510A, that is, the sealed space, decreases substantially with the amount of ink performed by the leftward movement of the movable member 511 in the figure. The support plate 514 also moves to the left according to the displacement of the movable member 511, and the compression of the spring member 515 also proceeds. The progress of compression of the spring member 515 means an increase in the expansion force F1, and the negative pressure P1 also increases from point a to point b in Fig. 39 according to equation (1).

When the ink consumption proceeds further from the state of Fig. 38B, the movable member 511 is further disposed leftward to enter the state of Fig. 38C. Underpressure in the ink container 510 further increases to change to point c in FIG. In this state, the negative pressure of the ink container 510 is

[Equation 5]

P1 = F2 / S2

It is in equilibrium with the force exerted by the member regulating valve 534 in the valve chamber 530 to define the relationship represented by.

When the ink consumption continues so that the negative pressure further increases, the force F2 / S2 is a predetermined valve because the contact state of the valve sealing member 537 obtained by the pressure of the spring regulating valve 535 does not change to this point. Since the force (F2 / S2) is

[Equation 6]

-P1> F2 / S2

It is not possible to cause the valve sealing member 537 to seal the opening cross section 536 in the valve chamber 530 resulting in the relationship represented by.

This relationship shows the negative pressure change at the state shown in FIG. 38D and at point d in FIG. When this relationship is true, sealing of the opening end surface 536 with the sealing member 537 is canceled.

As a result, the atmosphere begins to flow through the opening end surface 536 as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 38D, and also passes through the communication port 517 to the ink holding space 510A. Induction of the atmosphere results in an increase in the volume capacity of the ink holding space 510A which is reduced, and at the same time a decrease in the negative pressure which is increased. A decrease in negative pressure means return from the state represented by equation 6 to the state represented by equation 5, wherein the opening cross section 536 and the valve sealing member 537 are also in intimate contact with each other in the valve chamber 530 and have. This results in a change in the negative pressure from the state shown in FIG. 38E and point D to point e in FIG.

From the above description, although the relationship between the negative pressure in the ink holding space 510A and the pressure for urging the valve sealing member in the valve chamber 530 acts in the opposite direction, it will be expressed as the relationship between the magnetic fields of the absolute values of the respective pressures. As such, the following relationship is defined according to equations 1 and 6 in the valve chamber 530.

[Equation 7]

｜ F1 ｜ / S1> ｜ F2 ｜ / S2

Then, when the ink is further consumed, the Figs. 38D and 38E states alternate; There is a very small change in point (e) and the negative pressure shown thereafter; Ink is consumed with a negative pressure maintained at a substantially constant value. That is, since the state in Figs. 38D and 38E is repeated when ink consumption continues, ink holding capable of running out of ink in the ink holding space 510A while maintaining a stable discharge state after a certain amount of ink is consumed. An increase in negative pressure is required in space 510A.

<5.2 Variable Setting>

Since the negative pressure is adapted based on the balance between the ink holding space 510A and the valve chamber 530, respectively, it is apparent that each chamber can be easily designed with a predetermined negative pressure. In particular, the spring expansion forces F1 and F2 depend on the compression state of the spring disposed in each chamber, and the expansion force is the displacement distance caused by the spring constant and the compression (displacement amount in the initial compressed state, F = k × x; k and x represent the spring constant and the displacement amount, respectively). Thus, the predetermined negative pressure can be obtained by appropriately setting such a parameter. The negative pressure can be easily adjusted by setting the surface regions S1 and S2 of the support plate and the valve closing plate suitably attached to the spring.

The features of the invention achieved in this embodiment are provided with instructions for designing the ink container in four variables F1, F2, S1 and S2, which are suitably determined based on the relational representation of what is derived from the above.

For example, the technique disclosed in Patent No. 6,186,620 is disclosed in related patent fields, namely Japanese Patent Application No. 7-125240 (1995) or Japanese Patent Application No. 7-125241 (1995) described in the matter of liquid sealing. Solve the problem with the disclosed technique. The configuration is disclosed as a member in the form of a plug pressurized by a spring provided at a boss which introduces external air to achieve a mechanical seal. However, there is no consideration or suggestion for the above expression. In this sense, the invention cited above remains in the alternative category of mechanical seals for liquid seals and does not provide guidance for optimizing the design of ink containers other than the present invention.

The ink container can be suitably designed according to the guidelines based on the principles of the present invention in which the four variables F1, F2, S1 and S2 are properly determined in relation to each other.

For example, the discussion will now be formed in the relationship represented by F1: (S1 / S2) × F2 derived from equations 1 and 6.

It is assumed that the spring force F2 of the valve adjustment spring 535 is substantially constant since the displacement does not occur substantially the same. Then, the broad range of values of the variable F1 is when the active area S2 of the force sealing the air guiding the opening is less compared to the active area S1 of the spring force generating the negative pressure or S1 / S2 It is assumed that Equation 1 can be defined to prevent the ingress of outside air when relatively large, and thus the spring member 515 can be designed with high degrees of freedom to obtain the initial value of the variable F1. However, the negative pressure in the ink container space 510A is balanced with the ability to maintain a meniscus formed in the ink discharge port so as to sufficiently prevent the leakage of ink from the ink discharge cross section, and the ink discharge operation of the recording head can be performed. It can be any suitable value within the range. Thus, in order to maintain the variable F1 in a suitable range until the outside air is induced, the spring force F2 of the valve adjustment spring 535 creates a risk that the opening 536 is easily opened by shock or ambient change. Should be relatively small.

This problem can be avoided when the variables S1 and S2 are properly determined. In particular, it is possible to set the variable F2 to increase the degree of freedom and to effectively prevent the unfavorable opening of the opening cross section 536. The amount of change in variable F1 does not need to be increased.

The above is a simple example, and each part can be considered and appropriately designed in various states. However, this can be achieved by considering four variables in relation to each other, and is achieved by simply considering the relationship between the magnetic fields of the variables P1 and P2, which determine whether to induce outside air based on common feelings or intuitions. Can't be.

5.3 Working Principle of One-way Valve in Another Embodiment of the Invention

In the embodiment of the present invention, a valve for generating a force to seal the opening end surface 536 in the valve chamber 530 and the spring member 515 for generating underpressure in the ink holding space 510A and the spring member 35. The closure plate 534 is provided in each chamber. However, referring to the mode using the force exerted by the spring, not only the reaction force generated during the same compression but also the reaction force generated when the spring is inflated is available. Thus, each of the springs may be disposed outside of each chamber.

Figure 40 shows an embodiment in which the spring is placed relative to the ink holding chamber and the valve chamber is moved out of each chamber. In this configuration, when the ink is sufficiently filled, the spring member 545 connected to the ink holding chamber 540 is slightly expanded and the valve adjustment spring 555 provided to the valve chamber 550 is similarly slightly expanded.

In this configuration, the movable member 541 moves leftward in a shape in accordance with the consumption of ink in the ink holding space 540A which causes the expansion of the spring member 545 to be arranged identically. The negative pressure is determined by the amount of displacements placed at the same time. At the same time, the negative pressure acting on the ink holding space 540A according to the displacement of the spring member 545 is generated by the force in the stretching direction of the spring member 545, and the amount of displacement as a result of the expansion of the spring member 545 is increased. The stretching force F1 acts on the movable member 541 passing through the support plate 544. Thus, at the same time, the negative pressure is represented by Equation 8 shown below according to the same rules for the same signal as in the above-described embodiment.

(Eq. 8)

P1 = F1 / S1

In the valve chamber 555, the valve adjustment spring 555 provided between the outer casing 553 and the valve closing plate 554 exerts force in the same connection direction, so that displacement as a result of the expansion of the valve adjustment spring 555 Elastic force (F2) according to the amount of acts upward in the figure. The pressure in the movable member 551 is represented by equation 9 shown below according to the same rules as for the signal as in the embodiment shown in FIG.

(9)

P2 = -F2 / S2

Thus, when the opening cross section 556 is sealed with the valve sealing member 557 in the valve chamber 550 or when there is a relationship represented by -P1 <P2, the following relationship is defined.

-F1 / S1 <-F2 / S2

The intimate contact between the opening end face 556 and the valve sealing member 557 is when the induction of outside air from the atmospheric communication port 52 passing through the opening end face 556 as a result of the progress of ink consumption is canceled, then Relationships are defined.

(Eq. 10)

-F1 / S1> -F2 / S2

The direction of the force exerted by the spring member 545 and the valve adjustment spring 555 is different from that of only the embodiment of Fig. 37, and the direction of the negative pressure in the ink holding space 540A and the pressure in the valve chamber 550 is silver Same as that of the embodiment of FIG. Therefore, Equation 10 can be changed as follows.

(Eq. 11)

| F1 | / S1> | F2 | / S2

Thus, the description of this embodiment of Fig. 37 applies similarly to the operation of each section, the variation of the negative pressure, and the balance of the pressure between the ink storage space 540A and the valve chamber 550 as ink consumption proceeds. .

When this configuration is adopted, each spring does not come into contact with the ink, so there is no need to consider the degeneration of the spring resulting from contacting between the ink forming member and the ink, and the extraction and mixing of foreign matter into the ink. This leads to the advantage that the degree of freedom in selecting the material for forming the spring is increased.

In this embodiment, although the spring for the ink storage chamber and the valve chamber is shown disposed outside each chamber, the present invention also relates to the relation expressed by Equation 11 for the shape in which the spring for one of the chambers is disposed inside the chamber. It will be appreciated that it can be achieved according to.

5.4 Area for buffering ambient changes

37 and 40, when the ink consumption proceeds from the initial state in which the ink is sufficiently filled so that the negative pressure in the ink storage chamber is increased, the negative pressure is applied to the force applied by the valve adjusting member in the valve chamber. The ink is consumed more in a balanced state, and the atmosphere starts to flow through the opening section to be introduced into the ink storage space. As a result of the atmospheric introduction, the volumetric capacity of the ink storage space is increased inversely, and the negative pressure decreases close to the opening section.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 37, the ink consumption proceeds from the initial state shown in FIG. 38A, and after the state of FIG. 38C is introduced, the state of FIG. 38D and the state of FIG. Will be changed accordingly. That is, the internal volume of the ink storage space 510A, which becomes the sealing space, is substantially reduced as the ink amount is decreased from the initial state of charge, and the operation of introducing the external air is performed by the movable member 511 on the left side of Fig. 37. It is possible after being disposed in, and since the movable member 511 stays in the vicinity of the position reached by the left arrangement, there will be no substantial change in the internal volume of the ink storage space 510A itself.

In particular, the liquid container of the embodiment of Fig. 37 has an ink storage chamber 510, with a liquid (ink) storage space 510A defined therein, and an opening section for allowing ink to introduce gas into the storage space. A movable section (movable member) 511 displaced as it is supplied from the provided valve chamber 530 and the supply tube 521 and a sealing member 537 which is a sealing member for sealing it. The liquid container has a configuration in which the volumetric capacity of the storage space 510A is reduced in ink consumption due to displacement of the movable member, and the opening section 536 introduces gas when the volumetric capacity is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value. (State of Fig. 38C). The opening section 536 is separated from the sealing member 537 when the following relationship is satisfied after the state of Fig. 38C is introduced.

[Equation 12]

P- P1〉 F2 / S2

Here, F2 represents the pressing force (spring force of the valve adjustment spring 535) for sealing the opening section 536, and S2 represents the surface area of the surface on which the pressing force acts (the surface of the joint surface of the valve closing plate 534). Area), P1 represents the pressure in the storage space 510A, and P represents the ambient pressure (atmospheric pressure) of the vessel.

Therefore, even if fluctuations in the ambient atmosphere of the ink tank, i.e., temperature rise or pressure decrease, occur, the air introduced into the storage space is in an amount corresponding to the volumetric capacity of the space in the range between the displacement position and the initial position of the movable member. Let it swell. That is, the space corresponding to the volumetric capacity acts as a buffer region. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately or increase the pressure, so that leakage of ink from the discharge port can be effectively prevented as a result of atmospheric fluctuations. In addition, the flexible sheet 531 is pneumatically driven to be displaced by the movable member 511, so that the ink may be caused by the expansion of the ink storage space, which may be caused by fluctuations in the atmosphere of the ink tank, that is, temperature rise or pressure decrease. Leakage will not occur.

Since the external space is not introduced until the buffer area is provided, as a result of which the volumetric capacity of the ink storage space due to the supply of liquid from the initial state of charge, there is a sudden fluctuation in the ambient atmosphere or the container is closed until such time. No leakage of ink will occur even if it vibrates or falls. In addition, the buffer area is not provided in advance in the state where the ink is not used yet, and the ink container can be compressed with high volumetric efficiency. Surface area S2 of the surface on which the pressing force F2 (spring force of the valve adjustment spring 535) for sealing the opening section 536 acts larger than the surface area of the opening section 536 or the sealing surface of the sealing member 537. By forming), sufficient sealing properties can be maintained. Moreover, the above-described configuration can achieve an advantage with a few components, and provides an opening section 536 for introducing outside air in a part of the movable member (flexible seat 531 and valve closing plate 534). This makes it possible to achieve a stable introduction of the atmosphere.

Hereafter, a description is given of the preferred volumetric capacity as a buffer area that provides the functions described above. This description is made based on the ink container in the embodiment of Fig. 37, but the same applies to the ink container in the embodiment of Fig. 40.

Fig. 41 is a diagram showing how the volume of the liquid (ink) supplied with the volumetric capacity of the ink storage space 510A is changed depending on the amount of ink supplied, and the amount of extracted or supplied ink is shown on the abscissa of the figure. The volumetric capacity is shown on the ordinate of the figure. The thick glide lines show fluctuations in the volumetric capacity of the ink storage space, and the dashed lines show fluctuations in the amount of air in the ink storage space.

In the initial state where the ink has not yet been extracted, the movable member 511 is placed in the displacement position on the right side of Fig. 38A, and the storage space has the maximum volumetric capacity Vmax. The movable member 511 is displaced from this state, so that the extraction and volumetric capacity of the ink are monotonously reduced. In this state (corresponding to the state of Fig. 38B), since air has not yet been introduced into the container, no leakage of ink occurs even if a variation occurs in the ambient atmosphere.

When the volumetric capacity reaches the value Vair or reaches a state corresponding to FIG. 38D, the opening section 536 is opened to introduce air by an amount corresponding to the amount of extracted ink, and The reduction stops.

Thereafter, substantially no variation occurs in the volumetric capacity of the ink storage chamber 510A itself. That is, since a volumetric capacity corresponding to (Vmax -Vair) is provided to the buffer area, no leakage of ink occurs even if air is introduced. If ink in the container is difficult to be consumed and air is not introduced at this time, even if the volumetric capacity is reduced, the state of Fig. 38D and the state of Fig. 38E are changed in accordance with the process of ink extraction through the above-described operation, and the ink is effectively consumed. Can be.

Now, the method of setting the volumetric capacity Vair of the ink storage space will be described.

The maximum amount of air introduced into the vessel is substantially equal to the value Vair, as is apparent from FIG. The expansion volume V of the maximum amount of air Vair as a result of the decompression is expressed as follows.

(Eq. 13)

V = (1 / P *) x Vair

Here, it is assumed that the atmospheric pressure in the substantially steady state is 1 atm (absolute air pressure) and the atmospheric pressure in the ambient atmosphere in which the ink container is substantially positioned is P atm. When the value V is equal to or smaller than the value Vmax, an increase in pressure does not occur in the container, and the ink will not leak. Therefore, the leakage of ink can be prevented by designing a valve to open the open section 536 at atmospheric pressure of the ambient atmosphere when the volumetric capacity reaches the value Vair which satisfies the following equation. have.

[Equation 14]

V = (1 / P *) x Vair ≤ Vmax

(Eq. 15)

Vair ≤ P * x Vmax

For example, the atmospheric pressure that is considered the lowest in the practical atmosphere in which the ink container can be located is as follows, where the atmospheric pressure is assumed to be 1 atm in a substantially steady state.

Atmosphere

0.9atm at normal altitude without transport

0.8atm severely fluctuates for use in ambient atmosphere

Transportation by 0.7atm plane

Use at altitudes above 0.6atm 4000m (eg Bolivia and Tibet)

Thus, the atmospheric pressure P * can be set to, for example, 0.6 atm to meet all conditions for use. The optimal configuration can be provided with P * = 0.9 atm when the vessel is only used at normal altitude and not transported.

For example, these data indicate that the value Vair is 0.9 x Vmax or less so that it is used only at normal altitudes and the volume at which air is introduced is 90% of the maximum volumetric capacity. However, if it is considered to be used in an ambient atmosphere with severe temperature fluctuations, it is desirable to set the value Vair to 0.8 x Vmax or less and to initiate air introduction at 80% of the maximum volumetric capacity. If it is considered to be used on an airplane or by air, it is desirable to set the value Vair to 0.7 x Vmax or less and to initiate air introduction at 70% of the maximum volumetric capacity. If use is to be considered at altitudes of 4000 m or above, it is desirable to set the value Vair to 0.6 x Vmax or below and to initiate air introduction at 60% of the maximum volumetric capacity.

Since the required buffering capacity depends on the ambient atmosphere described, it is easy to efficiently prevent ink leakage by improving the ink storage efficiency of the container and designing such that an optimal buffer volume can be obtained according to the atmosphere.

Equation 7 can be changed as follows according to Hook's law where k1 is the spring constant of the spring member 515 and X1 represents the displacement amount from the initial state.

[Eq. 16]

K1 x X1 / S1> F2 | / S2

In this embodiment, since the deformation of the movable member 511 is adjusted by the spring member 515 through the support plate 514, the variation in volume due to the deformation of the movable member 511 is caused by the spring member 515. Measured by displacement That is, when the volume of the vessel is changed from Vmax to Vair, if the displacement amount X1 satisfying Expression 16 also satisfies Equation 17 below, the valve will not allow the outside air after the spring member 515 is displaced by the displacement amount greater than Xair Open for introduction, where Xair represents the amount of displacement of the spring member 515.

[Eq. 17]

X1〉 Xair

Thus, by arranging the spring member 515 and the valve adjustment spring 535 such that the relationship according to equation 18 is satisfied, the valve is available due to the deformation for introducing the outside air, which volume is equal to or larger than the predetermined buffer volume. Thereafter, no leakage of liquid occurs due to the opening of the valve due to the increase in the negative pressure.

(Eq. 18)

K1 x Xair | / S1> | F1 | / S2

5.5 Another Example of Formation of Buffer Regions for Ambient Changes

The configuration of the ink container for forming a good buffer area is not limited to the configurations having a valve chamber as in the above embodiments of Figs. 37 and 40, and various configurations can be used.

42A is a schematic cross sectional view showing another embodiment of such an ink container. A movable member 561 constituted by a flexible film (sheet member) that defines the ink storage space is provided in the outer casing 5565 of the container, and the movable member 561 provides a maximum volume capacity in a state where the storage space is normal. It is pressed by the spring member 565 through the support plate 564 to have. The opening section of the ink storage space 560A provided on the outer casing 563 is sealed by a valve 590 which is a sealing unit pressurized by the valve adjustment spring 595.

Figure 44B shows a state in which a certain volume (Vmax-Vair) of ink is extracted from the supply port 568 to reduce the volume capacity of the storage space to the volume (Vair). At this time, as a result of the deformation of the movable member 561, the support plate 564 is in contact with the valve 590 to displace the valve 590 with respect to the pressing force of the valve adjustment spring 595, the opening section 592 To be opened. In particular, the buffer area is provided from the initial position of the movable member 561 indicated by the broken line in the figure at the moment when the support plate 564 contacts the valve 590, to the same position indicated by the solid line. In other words, the support plate 564 is in contact with the valve 590 such that the opening section 592 opens after a given buffer volume is provided.

FIG. 43A shows a state where the support plate 564 presses the valve 590 downward as a result of the extraction of additional ink to momentarily open the opening section 592 to allow air to enter the ink storage space 560A. do. 43B shows a state in which the support plate 564 and the valve 590 are separated from each other. In particular, it causes a small displacement of the support plate 564 upwards so that the support plate 564 and the valve 590 separate from each other, and the valve 590 reseals the opening section 592 due to the pressing force of the valve adjustment spring 595. Inflow of air regulates the internal negative pressure, as shown in FIG. 43A, to reduce the force of upwardly displacing the supporting plate 564. When the ink is subsequently extracted again, the support plate 564 and the valve 590 are in contact with each other as shown in FIG. 42B to introduce air as shown in FIG. 43A. Since air is introduced gradually as described above, the ink in the ink storage space 560A is gradually filled with air having a predetermined negative pressure which is maintained to consume all the ink and to adjust the increase in pressure as a result of the ambient change. To prevent leakage of ink from the discharge port.

Since the valve 564 is mechanically driven to be displaced by the support plate 564, no leakage of ink due to expansion of the ink chamber due to ambient changes such as temperature rise or pressure increase does not occur.

An important feature of the present invention is that since the opening and closing operations of the valve 590 are regulated by the amount of displacement of the support plate 564, the opening section 592 opens only after the buffer area having the volume Vmax-Vair is provided. As a result of this, air is not introduced when no sufficient buffer area is available, so no ink leakage occurs. In this embodiment all motions are appropriate for four variables: the spring force of the spring member 565, the spring force of the valve adjustment member 595, the surface area of the support plate 564 and the surface area of the predetermined part of the valve 590. It is similar to the above embodiments in that it can be controlled by designing them. This is an important advantage that there is no need to change the composition even if a change in the physical properties of the ink causes a drastic change in viscosity and contact angle of the same embodiment. To have.

The design of four variables will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 44 shows a state where the support plate 564 and the valve 590 are in contact with each other to introduce air.

The support plate 564 is a force that is the sum of the upward pressing force F1 provided by the spring member 565 and the downward total pressure P1 × S1 generated when the negative pressure P1 acts on the surface area S1 of the support plate 564. Will be placed in the state of. The valve 590 is generated when the upward pressing force F2 provided by the valve regulating spring 595 and the negative pressure P1 act on the surface area S2 of the portion of the valve 590 covering the opening section 592. It is put in the state of the force which is the sum of upward total pressure P1 * S2.

What is needed for the valve 590 to open is the force of the support plate 564 that presses the valve 590 beyond the force of the valve 590 sealing the opening section.

[Equation 19]

That is, P1 × S1-F1 ≥ F2 + P × S2

If you refer to negative pressure at this time,

(Eq. 20)

P1 ≥ (F1 + F2) / (S1-S2)

That is, the spring forces F1 and F2 and the surface areas S1 and S2 of the support plate 564 and the valve 590 are selected based on the negative pressure maintained when the valve is opened to exchange air and liquid. The volume and these variables can be appropriately determined taking into account various conditions as in the above embodiments.

Figure 45 shows a state in which ink is almost consumed as a result of extraction through the supply port 568. At this time, the amount of air flowing into the ink storage space 560A is controlled by the hatching of the movable member 561, which is indicated by hatching which serves as a buffer for preventing ink from leaking even if there is an expansion of the volume due to ambient change. It is substantially equal to the deformation volume Vair.

5.6 Generalization of Ink Tank Design Conditions

The embodiment of Fig. 37 has a configuration located above the ink storage chamber 510 which is defined in the same posture and direction when the ink storage space 510A of the ink tank is used. However, the positional relationship between the ink storage space and the valve chamber of the ink tank can be formed in various ways, and in any case, it is desirable to design the ink tank so that the one-way valve operates properly to maintain an appropriate negative pressure in the ink storage chamber. desirable. Generalization of the design conditions for the ink tank will be described.

Fig. 46A is equally in communication with the ink storage chamber 610 with the port 618 for supplying ink to the recording head provided on the bottom thereof in the same posture in use and near the bottom through the communication chamber 617. An ink tank constituted by a valve chamber 630 is shown. The ink storage chamber 610 is basically a support plate which is a support member in the form of a flat plate, substantially the same configuration as shown in Fig. 37, in which the movable member 611 constituted by the deformable flexible film (sheet member) is disposed. At the central portion controlled by 614, the same and its periphery has a deformable configuration. The ink storage space is in an equilibrium state capable of holding the meniscus formed in the ink ejection section of the recording head 520, and supporting plate to generate negative pressure in a range in which the ink ejection operation of the recording head can be executed. A spring member 615 is provided, through 614, in the form of a compression spring that applies a pressing force for urging the movable member 511 downward in the figure.

Further, the valve chamber 630 is substantially the same as that shown in Fig. 37, and functions as a valve closing member having an opening section that is an element of a one-way valve, and the valve closing plate 634 coupled to the flexible seat 631. And a valve sealing member 637 for sealing the opening section. In the valve chamber 630, a valve regulating spring 635 is provided that functions as a valve regulating member for regulating the opening operation of the valve.

Fig. 46A shows an initial state of the ink tank in which the tank is not yet used, and Figs. 46B to 46F show the state of the ink tank as a result of the ink consumption proceeding. Figure 47 shows the change in the negative pressure as a result of ink consumption, and the points indicated by the reference numerals 60a to 60f in the figure correspond to the respective states in Figures 46a to 46f.

In the configuration of Figure 46A, ink is present in the communication channel 617, and the meniscus is formed at the end of the communication channel 617 on the side of the valve chamber 630 due to the capillary force of the communication channel 617. Therefore, the pressure for supporting the meniscus is also taken into account when the ink tank is designed.

In the initial state in which the ink storage space is sufficiently filled with ink (see FIG. 46A), the spring member 615 expands the expansion force F1 [in accordance with the displacement amount as a result of pressing against the movable member 611 through the support plate 614. Reaction force initiated by compression]. At this time, referring to the direction of the expansion force, the expansion force acts in the upward direction of the spring member 615 in Fig. 46A, and the direction is indicated by a positive indication. At this time, the pressure in the ink storage space acts inwardly of the chamber. In particular, according to the rules described above for signs where the atmospheric pressure is regarded as "0", the pressure PT acting in the ink storage space is a numerical value with a negative sign (negative pressure). At this time, the negative pressure generated at the opening position of the communication channel 617 on the side of the ink storage space can be expressed as follows, where S1 represents the surface area of the support plate 614 to which the spring member 615 is coupled.

[Equation 21]

PT =-(F1 / S1) + h × ρ × g

Where h represents the height (m) from the position of the meniscus formed in the communication channel 617 to the top or level of the ink in the ink storage chamber, ρ represents the density of the ink (kg / m 3), and g is gravity Acceleration is shown.

In this state, in the valve chamber 630, the opening section is sealed by the valve sealing member 637. Referring to the pressure in the chamber chamber 630, the negative pressure PT acts through the communication channel 617 located between the valve chamber and the ink storage space, to maintain the meniscus formed in the communication channel 617. Pressure PM resulting from the ability to act also acts. The pressure (negative pressure) in the valve chamber 630 is as follows.

Formula 22

PV = PT + PM =-(F1 / S1) + h × ρ × g + PM

Incidentally, the PM has a positive sign or a negative sign depending on the pressure relationship between the ink storage chamber pressure and the valve chamber pressure. The value becomes "0" when the negative pressures are the same.

The inflation force of the valve adjustment spring 635 also acts on the valve chamber 630, and the inflation force indicated by " F2 " acts on the right or in the inflation direction of the valve control spring 635 in the figure and has a positive sign. Let the surface area of the engagement surface of the valve closure plate 634 be joined by the valve adjustment spring 635. The direction of pressure exerted by the valve adjustment spring 635 in the valve chamber 630 as a force acting on the valve chamber is then the same as the expansion direction of the valve adjustment spring 635 and is indicated by a positive sign. Therefore, when the pressure is represented by "P2", the following relationship is established.

[Equation 23]

P2 = F2 / S2

In order to be sealed with the valve sealing member 637 with respect to the opening section 636, the pressure P2 and the negative pressure PV in the valve chamber must satisfy the following relationship.

[Equation 24]

-(PV) <P2

Thereafter, Equations 22 to 24 derive the following relationship.

[Eq. 25]

PV = (F1 / S1)-h × ρ × g-PM <F2 / S2

That is, the one-way valve is kept sealed by the force provided by the valve closing plate 634 and the valve adjustment spring 635 acting on the negative pressure in the valve chamber being greater than the negative pressure. In other words, the one-way valve is configured such that the force provided by the valve closing plate 634 and the valve adjustment spring 635 acts on the negative pressure from the negative pressure in the ink storage chamber, the top of the ink storage chamber, or the level of the ink. The sealed state is maintained by maintaining a state larger than the negative pressure in the valve chamber defined by the pressure corresponding to the depth to the position of the meniscus formed in the pressure chamber and the pressure resulting from the ability to hold the meniscus formed in the communication channel 617. maintain.

The ejection of the ink from the recording head proceeds to reduce the amount of ink remaining in the ink storage space, so that the negative pressure in the ink storage space is increased.

Reference numeral 61b in FIGS. 46B and 47 shows a state in which a displacement corresponding to the buffer region is generated such that the negative pressure PT in the ink storage chamber is increased and the depth h is reduced to increase the negative pressure PV in the valve chamber. Indicates.

When the negative pressure in the ink storage chamber is further increased, air starts to move from the valve chamber to the ink storage chamber as shown in Fig. 46C, but the one-way valve does not open in this state. Immediately after the air starts to move, the meniscus is immediately moved toward the valve chamber by the capillary force of the communication channel 617 but is returned back to the ink storage chamber by the negative pressure in the ink storage chamber.

When the negative pressure is further increased to satisfy the relationship represented by Equation 26 below, the one-way valve can be opened to allow air to enter the ink storage chamber, thereby mitigating the displacement of the negative pressure and the buffer region by only a slight amount. This results in the state in FIG. 46D and the negative pressure change at point 61d in FIG.

Formula 26

-PV = (F1 / S1)-h x ρx g-PM> F2 / S2

The inflow of air reduces the increasing negative pressure. A decrease in negative pressure means return to the state represented by equation 25 from the state represented by equation 26.

While the valve closing plate 634 is moved in the valve chamber 630 again in the closing direction (point 61e in Figs. 46E and 47), the negative pressure in the valve chamber is adjusted to the right of Equation 22 as long as air is introduced. Smaller than value The opening and the valve sealing member 637 are in close contact with each other again as a result (point 61f in Figs. 46F and 47). Thereafter, air is moved from the valve chamber to the ink storage chamber until the negative pressure in the valve chamber is substantially equal to the value on the right side of Expression 22 and the negative pressures in the chambers are substantially equal.

From the foregoing description, the state of the one-way valve in the valve chamber 630 to be opened becomes as shown in Equation 27 below because the negative pressure in the ink storage space, the pressure resulting from the depth h, and the meniscus retention This is because the relationship between the pressure and the pressures for pressurizing the valve sealing member in the valve chamber 630 can be represented by the relationship among the magnitudes of the absolute values of the respective pressures.

[Equation 27]

PV | = (| F1 | / S1)-h x ρx g-PM> | F2 | / S2

This is a general formula of the conditions for designing an ink tank such that the one-way valve can be properly operated to maintain an appropriate negative pressure in the ink storage chamber in any case depending on the various positional relationships between the valve chamber and the ink storage chamber in the ink tank. In the configuration shown in Fig. 46A, the communication channel 617 between the ink storage chamber and the valve chamber extends in the horizontal direction. Equation 27 can be applied to an upwardly curved configuration such that the communication channel towards the valve chamber reaches the valve chamber by taking the number of heights and depths from the location of the meniscus formed in the communication channel at the ink level in the ink storage chamber. .

5.7 Application of General Formulas for Various Positional Relationships Between Valve Chambers and Ink Storage Chambers in Ink Tanks

The above general conditions are tested by applying various configurations.

First, the case where the volume capacity of the valve chamber 630 is large in a configuration substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 46A is considered. In this case, when a large enough "| F2 | / S2-| PV |" value is required to deform the edge of the valve sealing member so that the one-way valve is closed, a large amount of air is used to reduce the negative pressure in the chamber. It is necessary to introduce.

FIG. 48 is an illustration for explaining the change in the negative pressure in this case and the negative pressure at the time of inflow of air (solid line) is significantly reduced compared to the negative pressure change in the case shown in FIG. 46A (dashed line). Since the negative pressure in the valve chamber is substantially equal to the negative pressure in the ink storage chamber, even if the one-way valve is not opened until the internal pressure is equal to the atmospheric pressure (0), the pressure is reduced to below the initial pressure near the atmospheric pressure. It is strongly required to properly set the ratio between the volumetric capacity of the valve chamber and the ink storage chamber in order to prevent it.

That is, when it is assumed that the valve chamber is completely exposed to the atmosphere, the negative pressure in the ink storage chamber at the time of valve closure is given by: where VV is the volumetric capacity of the valve chamber including the communication channel and VT is the ink. Represents the volumetric capacity of the storage chamber.

[Equation 28]

PT = F1 / S1 + PM

Therefore, the average negative pressure of both chambers is as follows when the one-way valve is closed.

(-F1 / S1 + PM) x VT / (VT + VV)

That is, it is required to set the ratio between the volumetric capacity of the ink storage chamber and the valve chamber so that the valve is larger than the initial negative pressure.

It is contemplated that the valve chamber 730 is provided with a communication channel 717 provided therebetween on the ink storage chamber 710 as shown in Fig. 49A. In this case, the speed of the air moving in the communication channel 717 is higher than the speed of the air introduced through the atmospheric communication port of the valve chamber 730. In the configuration of Fig. 46A, since the air, which is gas, enters the ink, which is liquid, the speed of the air moving in the communication channel 617 is lower than the speed of the air introduced through the atmospheric communication portion of the valve chamber 630.

When the above general formula is applied in the case shown in Fig. 49A, since the height h and the pressure PM are both "0", the pressures in the ink storage chamber 710 and the valve chamber 730 are in communication channel 717. In homes where there is virtually no pressure loss of air in the

Therefore, as indicated by the solid line in FIG. 49B, the pressures in the two chambers are not constant compared with the negative pressure change in the case shown in FIG. 46A (dashed line), and the fluctuation in the negative pressure becomes small as a result of opening and closing of the one-way valve. .

This case is similar to the case described in item 5.1 above, and can therefore be designed taking into account the relationship between the four parameters F1, F2, S1 and S2.

It is contemplated that the ink storage chamber 810 and the valve chamber 830 are connected through a communication channel 817 having a large cross-sectional area of a configuration substantially similar to that of Fig. 46A.

When the atmospheric communication port of the valve chamber 830 is positioned lower than the communication channel 817 in the vertical direction, the atmospheric communication port is always in contact with the ink, after which the negative pressure is adjusted using the meniscus holding force and the spring force. do. In this case, there is a risk of ink leakage as occurs in the case of the liquid seal described above.

When the ink consumption proceeds to be reduced to the ink level below the atmospheric communication port, the negative pressure adjustment is performed using only the spring force because the pressure PM is zero.

In the case shown in FIG. 50A, since the movement resistance of the air in the communication channel is small, the negative pressure change when the difference between the negative pressures in the ink storage chamber and the valve chamber is small and is shown in FIG. 46A as indicated by the solid line in FIG. 50B. The negative pressure fluctuation is small as a result of opening and closing of the one-way valve as compared with the broken line. When the communication channel 817 is no longer filled with ink, it communicates between the air in both chambers, resulting in a state similar to that shown in Fig. 49A.

<5.8 Observation of Vibration Result of Ink Tank>

Since the negative pressure controlled by the one-way valve is in the range as small as 0 to -200 mmAq (about -200 Pa), the excess pressure fluctuation of the negative pressure adjustable by only slight movement of ink or air in the valve which promotes vibration during transport This may be caused, and it is contemplated that this may cause undesirable air inflow of air due to the open valve.

In this regard, the inventors tested the configuration in Fig. 46A by applying vibration and found that the valve chamber was filled with ink that did not enter air.

The result seems to result from the following phenomenon.

i) Vibration in the ink storage chamber causes air to move from the valve chamber to the ink storage chamber.

ii) A relatively large negative pressure is generated immediately in the valve chamber.

iii) The negative pressure generates a force that acts to open the one-way valve.

iv) However, a pressure change that encourages vibration only occurs momentarily, and ink enters the valve chamber from the ink storage chamber before the one-way valve is opened to introduce air to relieve the negative pressure in the valve chamber.

v) The force acting to open the one-way valve is lost and the valve does not open.

vi) The above-described process is repeated until the valve chamber is filled with ink, and the valve chamber has no negative pressure when the air in the valve chamber is removed.

That is, since the ink comes in before the air is introduced, the one-way valve is not opened even if the negative pressure in the valve chamber is increased. Thus, in the case of the configuration of Fig. 46A, it is desirable to set the cross-sectional dimension of the communication channel so that the speed of ink entering the valve chamber due to the capillary force of the communication channel exceeds the opening speed of the one-way valve.

Even when the valve chamber is filled with ink, the ink returns to the ink storage chamber into which air is introduced when the one-way valve is operated by the negative pressure increase of the ink tank as a whole during use. In order for the operation mechanism of the one-way valve to operate more effectively, the atmospheric communication port of the valve chamber is preferably located above the end of the communication channel on the side of the valve chamber in the vertical direction in position or orientation during use.

Testing in the case of very large valve chambers gives results similar to those observed in the case shown in FIG. 46A.

Then, the configuration in Fig. 49A is tested. In this case, the ink does not enter the valve chamber unlike the case described above. Even when there is a movement of ink in the ink storage chamber, the resulting pressure change is absorbed by the air in the valve chamber and the air chamber in the ink storage chamber, and the pressure change is considered to have a small effect on the one-way valve. In addition, undesirable injection of air can be more effectively prevented by absorbing fluctuations in air pressure due to displacement of the buffer section.

That is, the buffer spring (spring in the ink storage chamber) can provide a higher pressure absorbing effect without changing the amount of displacement by forming a variable S1 larger than the variable S2. In addition, the buffer spring can be displaced more easily in response to a small change in the rod by making the variable K2 larger than the variable K1.

Then, the configuration in FIG. 50A was tested. In such a case, even if the ink enters the valve chamber, the entered ink can then easily return back to the ink storage chamber, eventually leading to an undesirable opening of the one-way valve.

Therefore, it was strongly required to dimension the communication channel so that the ink is retained in the communication channel by the meniscus holding force even when the ink tank is reversed with the communication channel located upward in the vertical direction. In particular, it is necessary to make the meniscus holding force of the narrowest portion of the communication channel larger than the gravity of ink by an amount equivalent to the capacity of the communication channel.

In addition, tests have also been carried out for communication channels with very small cross-sectional areas. In this case, the communication channel is always filled with ink even when a pressure change occurs, and the pressure change in the ink storage chamber is not transmitted to the valve chamber. However, since the actuation mechanism of the one-way valve does not operate when the meniscus holding force of the communication channel exceeds the area of negative pressure control of the one-way valve, the meniscus holding force in the narrowest portion of the communication channel smaller than F2 / S2. It is strongly required to form a pressure starting with.

<5.9 change>

Instead of forming a part of the inner wall of the space constituting the ink storage chamber of the ink container as a movable member using a flexible film deformable as in the above embodiment, the inner wall as a whole is provided to such a member as long as an appropriate cushioning area is provided. It can be formed by. Further, instead of having such a deformable member, a member displaced according to the capacity of the storage space S may be provided in a part of the container.

<6. Other>

Although the above description refers to the application of the present invention to an ink tank for supplying ink to a recording head, the present invention can be applied to a supply section for supplying ink to a pen as a recording section.

As described above, in addition to various recording devices, the present invention can be used in a wide range of fields including devices for supplying various fluids, such as beverages and fluid seasonings, and devices for supplying drugs in the medical field.

In addition to the serial scanning apparatus as described above, the present invention can be applied to various types of recording apparatus. By way of example, the present invention can be used to construct a so-called full-line type recording apparatus using a long sized recording head that extends beyond the entire length of the recording area of the recording medium.

The present invention, or various aspects or embodiments that are the same as described above, can achieve at least one of the following.

A unit for generating the negative pressure required in the section for storing the fluid (e.g. ink) supplied to the outside (e.g., the recording head), and supplying fluid to maintain the negative pressure in the appropriate area In configurations with an air injection section that allows air to be injected as the negative pressure increases, it prevents leakage of fluids such as ink from the air injection section around for use or storage and provides adequate negative pressure characteristics regardless of the state of consumption of the fluid. You can keep it. In addition, since high volumetric efficiency is achieved and ink is smoothly supplied at this stage, various advantages can be achieved including appropriate print quality and compact structure when used in an ink jet recording system.

In order to regulate the pressure in the ink tank or the fluid container by injecting the gas, a one-way valve may be provided spaced from the ink tank to allow gas to flow in one direction and not allow fluid (fluid or gas) to flow in the opposite direction. have. Therefore, the arrangement position of the one-way valve can be freely determined from the limitation caused by the position where the ink tank is arranged.

As a result, it is possible to provide a negative pressure regulating mechanism for an ink tank in which freedom can be enhanced in the design of the ink jet recording apparatus.

Ink stored in the ink tank may be supplied to the ink jet head while maintaining a stable negative pressure until the ink is consumed. Since the sealing member extends / contacts or moves along with the movable member, leakage of ink is prevented even when the ink tank is extended as a result of changes in the periphery of the ink tank such as temperature rise or pressure drop.

According to the present invention, the above advantages can be achieved with a small number of parts, and the atmosphere can be appropriately injected by providing an atmosphere injection opening in a part of the movable member.

This makes it possible to always achieve the proper characteristics of ink ejection from the ink jet head, and also contributes to the reduction of the running cost since the ink can be used efficiently.

By way of example, by positioning a flexible member or a member having high gas permeability at the lower position of the vessel in the direction of gravity during use, the opportunity for application of osmotic pressure to such a member may be such that the gas inhibits penetration into the vessel and The fluid can be stored in an appropriate state because it is reduced to provide a stable supply.

When a buffer zone is provided as a result of the deformation of the flexible member, it is reliably absorbed in the pressure fluctuations in the vessel as the temperature rises to the buffer zone allowing a significant reduction in the amount of gas that penetrates into the vessel. Leakage of the fluid or breakage of the container can be prevented. In addition, the reduction in the amount of infiltration of gas can eliminate the need to provide a large buffer area that allows for expansion of the infiltrating gas, thereby improving the volumetric efficiency of the vessel.

By providing an opening / closing mechanism for injecting outside air into the container when the negative pressure in the container exceeds a predetermined value, the predetermined negative pressure can be kept stable in the container to which the fluid is supplied. The opening / closing mechanism may have a configuration using a valve that opens and closes by a pressure difference.

By maintaining an appropriate negative pressure in the container until the ink in the container is substantially consumed, the ink can be supplied to the recording apparatus with improved stability, and the running cost can be suppressed by eliminating waste of ink.

The fluid (eg ink) of the container can be supplied to the outside while maintaining at a stable value without unnecessarily increasing the negative pressure of the container until consumed. Since the injection of air to appropriate the negative pressure in the fluid container can be performed at an appropriate timing, the predetermined negative pressure can be easily set in consideration of various situations, allowing setting of stable negative pressure with high reliability. Also, since the movable member for applying the force to generate the negative pressure and the member for opening and closing the opening for the air injection are controlled by the member having the expansion / contraction force, It can absorb the expansion of the gas injected into the fluid container, which can contribute to changes in the surroundings, eliminating undesirable leakage of the fluid. Only when there is a certain amount of change from the initial position that the fluid has not yet been extracted, outside air is injected and the space having a volume corresponding to the change serves as a buffer zone. Thus, a predetermined pressure can be appropriated as a result of the change in the atmosphere, and the leakage of the fluid from the extraction section of the destination of the fluid (for example, the ink ejection port of the ink jet recording head) can be reliably prevented. It also contributes to the reduction of running costs by eliminating wasteful consumption of fluids.

Furthermore, the above advantages can be achieved with a small number of parts according to the invention.

Further, when the present invention is applied to an ink jet recording head, proper ink ejection characteristics can always achieve stabilizing and improving recording quality.

The present invention has been described in detail with respect to the preferred embodiments, and from a broader perspective those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications from the above description are possible within the scope of the invention and are therefore within the true spirit of the invention. And modifications are expressly understood to be covered in the claims.

According to the present invention, the introduction of outside air which maintains a constant negative pressure in the liquid container is carried out reliably at an appropriate timing to stabilize the negative pressure with higher reliability, and the leakage of liquid through the liquid supply port is prevented even from sudden ambient changes. It is possible to provide a liquid container for preventing the consumption of unnecessary liquid, and also to provide a liquid consumer using the liquid container.

Claims (84)

A storage unit forming a storage space for the liquid, A liquid supply portion which forms a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid stored in the storage portion to the outside and is provided to the storage portion; A one-way valve arranged in the reservoir to allow introduction of gas from the outside into the storage space and to prevent leakage of gas and liquid to the outside; A mechanism having a function to maintain or expand a capacity of said storage space, And said one-way valve controls the negative pressure in said storage space resulting from consuming liquid in said reservoir. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mechanism includes a movable member that is movable or deformably equipped with at least a portion of the reservoir and pressing means for urging the movable member in a direction of increasing capacity of the storage space. Liquid container. The liquid container according to claim 2, wherein the storage space is maintained at a negative pressure by using the movable member and the urging means, even if the amount of gas introduced into the storage space is increased. The liquid container according to claim 3, wherein the increased capacity due to deformation of the movable member is set to be larger than an increase amount of gas. 3. A liquid container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the movable member has a membrane-shaped flexible member defining a protrusion in which an intermediate section extends out of the storage space. 3. A liquid container according to Claim 2, wherein said urging means has a compression spring for urging said movable member in a direction in which said storage space increases. 3. A liquid container according to Claim 2, wherein said urging means includes a tension spring for urging said movable member in a direction in which said storage space increases. The liquid container according to claim 5, wherein the flexible member to which the displacement characteristic is applied in the direction in which the capacity of the storage space increases is used as the pressing means. According to claim 1, The one-way valve is provided with a blocking member capable of blocking the communication path leading to the storage space and the pressing member for generating the blocking force, When the pressure in the storage space is less than a predetermined value said A communication passage is opened against the pressing force from the pressing member. A liquid use device, characterized in that it uses a liquid that is connectable with the liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and is supplied from the storage space. 11. A liquid using apparatus according to claim 10, comprising a structure of a recording head for performing recording with ink supplied from the liquid container storing ink as a liquid. A recording apparatus comprising means for using a liquid using apparatus of the recording head structure according to claim 11. An ink jet head for ejecting ink, An ink jet head cartridge comprising the liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for storing ink as liquid supplied to the ink jet head. A liquid supply method for supplying liquid to the outside through a supply port formed in the storage portion from the storage portion for forming a liquid storage space, Providing a one-way valve to allow gas introduction from the outside into the storage space and to prevent leakage of liquids and gases to the outside; Providing a mechanism having a function to maintain or expand a capacity of said storage space; Controlling the negative pressure in the storage space caused by consuming the liquid in the reservoir by the one-way valve. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the mechanism includes a movable member which is movable or deformably equipped with at least a portion of the reservoir and pressing means for biasing the movable member in a direction of increasing capacity of the storage space Although the amount of gas introduced into the storage space increases, the storage space is maintained at a negative pressure using the movable member and the urging means. 16. The liquid supply method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the increased capacity due to deformation of the movable member is set to be larger than an increase amount of gas. A storage portion including a liquid supply portion for forming a storage space for liquid and forming a liquid supply port for supplying storage liquid to the outside, and a gas introduction portion for introducing gas into the storage space from the outside; A mechanism having a function to maintain or expand a capacity of said storage space; A one-way valve having a gas introduction member mountable to the gas introduction section, In the state where the gas introduction member is mounted on the gas introduction portion, introduction of gas is allowed through the gas introduction portion, leakage of gas and liquid from the storage space to the outside is prevented, and the one-way valve is in the storage portion. And a negative pressure in the storage space generated by consuming the liquid. 18. The liquid supply apparatus of claim 17, wherein the one-way valve introduces gas into the storage space in response to a difference between the pressure in the storage space and the pressure of the atmosphere. 18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the mechanism includes a movable member which is movable or deformable with at least a portion of the reservoir and pressing means for biasing the movable member in a direction of increasing capacity of the storage space. Liquid supply device. 18. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the body of the one-way valve is connected with the gas introducing member through a tube. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 20, wherein a buffer container is provided along the tube. 18. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the storage portion includes an ink communicating member and a mountable ink supply portion in communication with the ink flow path of the ink ejecting recording head. 23. The liquid supply apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein, when the gas introduction member and the ink communication member are mounted, the gas introduction member is mounted to the storage portion prior to the ink communication member. An ink tank for liquid supply apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 23, Said storage for storing ink as a liquid; And a mechanism having a function for maintaining or expanding a capacity of said storage space. An ink tank for constituting the ink supply apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 23, A recording head for ejecting ink supplied from the ink tank through a communication path, The ink tank has a storage portion for storing ink as a liquid and a mechanism having a function for maintaining or expanding a capacity of the storage space, wherein the recording head is formed integrally with the ink tank. Inkjet cartridges. An ink jet recording apparatus for performing recording by ejecting ink on a recording medium using the ink tank according to claim 24 and a recording head for ejecting ink supplied by the ink tank, A holder for mounting the ink tank; A one-way valve that allows communication of fluid flowing in one direction and prevents communication of fluid in another direction; A flow path opened and closed by being connected with a one-way valve, The holder includes a member in communication with the flow path, and the ink tank has a mounting portion for removably mounting the member of the holder such that gas is transferred through the member and the one-way valve of the holder. An ink jet recording apparatus which can be introduced inside. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said recording head is formed integrally with said holder. An ink jet recording apparatus for performing recording by ejecting ink onto a recording medium by using the ink jet cartridge according to claim 25, A holder for mounting the ink jet cartridge; A one-way valve that allows communication of fluid flowing in one direction and prevents communication of fluid in another direction; A flow path opened and closed by being connected with a one-way valve, The holder has a member in communication with the flow path, and the ink tank of the ink jet cartridge has a mounting portion capable of detachably mounting the member of the holder, whereby gas is released from the member and the one direction of the holder. An ink jet recording apparatus which can be introduced therein through a valve. A one-way valve mounted on a storage unit forming a storage space for liquid, allowing a gas to be introduced from the outside into the storage space, and preventing liquid and gas leakage from the storage space to the outside, The one-way valve, A hollow gas introduction member for insertion into the storage space; A valve chamber in communication with the gas introduction member and having an opening for allowing gas introduction from the outside; And an opening / closing member operable to open the opening when the valve chamber is provided and is pressed in the direction in which the opening is closed, so that the pressure in the storage space becomes less than a predetermined value. 30. The one-way valve according to claim 29, wherein the hollow portion of the gas introduction member has a section size in such a manner that the meniscus holding force of the gas liquid interface formed in the hollow portion is smaller than the opening force of the opening. 31. The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein the length of the gas introduction member is set such that the length of the gas introduction member is difficult to reach the valve chamber even if the liquid moves toward the valve chamber due to the turbulent flow of the gas flow upon introduction of the gas into the storage space. One-way valve, characterized in that. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the storage portion has a movable member at least in part, the movable member is displaceable or deformable according to the liquid supply to the outside, the gas introduction portion is an opening arranged in the movable member, and the one direction And the valve has pressure sealing means for sealing and releasing the seal by displacement or deformation of the movable member caused by supplying the liquid of the reservoir to the outside. 33. The sealing member according to claim 32, wherein the sealing means has a sealing member that can be displaced within a predetermined range, and the movable member for urging the sealing member in a direction opposite to the pressing direction exceeds a predetermined range in which the sealing member displaces. By moving, the pressure seal of the opening is released to introduce gas into the storage space, and upon introduction of the gas, the movable member moves within a predetermined range in which the sealing member is displaced, thereby preventing liquid leakage from the opening. And seal the opening to seal the opening. 33. The liquid supply apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein the movable member is a flexible member that can be deformed according to the supply operation of the liquid. 33. The device of claim 32, wherein the movable member comprises a flat member arranged at a portion of a wall defining the liquid reservoir and having a rigidity that is not deformed by a liquid supply operation from the liquid supply port. Liquid supply device. 35. The device of claim 34, wherein the mechanism is an elastic member connected on one surface of the movable member and adapted to exert a reaction force against displacement or deformation of the liquid reservoir in accordance with the liquid supply from the liquid supply port. Liquid supply device. 37. The liquid supply apparatus of claim 36, wherein the elastic member is formed of a spring. 34. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the sealing member is a stretchable rubber. 34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the sealing member passes through the housing of the liquid apparatus and has a shaft body having a diameter larger than a through hole of the housing at an edge on the outside of the housing, and pressing the shaft body toward the inside of the housing. Liquid supply device, characterized in that it is composed of a pressing means for. 37. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 36, wherein two movable members are arranged at opposite positions of the liquid reservoir, and the elastic members are arranged therebetween. 33. A liquid supply apparatus according to claim 32, wherein an opening for introducing air is provided above the liquid reservoir. 37. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 36, wherein an elastic force of the elastic member is larger than that of the sealing member. An ink jet recording apparatus for performing recording with a recording head for ejecting ink, 43. An ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 42, which stores ink supplied to the recording head as a liquid. The liquid container according to claim 2, wherein the storage portion is configured such that the liquid is present inside the flexible member in contact with an outer space and has a flexible member deformable in a portion of the storage portion as the movable member. 45. The liquid container of claim 44, wherein the flexible member is positioned downward in the direction of gravity upon use of the liquid container. 46. The liquid container of claim 45, wherein the flexible member is located below in the gravity direction rather than half of the contact portion. 45. The liquid container of claim 44, wherein the flexible member defines a buffer area that absorbs a change in the internal pressure of the reservoir by self deformation. 45. The liquid container of claim 44, wherein the flexible member is located at the bottom of the reservoir and is deformable. 49. The liquid container of claim 48, wherein the flexible member is vertically deformable. 45. The liquid container of claim 44, wherein the reservoir is made of a plurality of materials having different gas permeability and the material having greater gas permeability is placed in a lower position in the direction of gravity during use of the liquid container. 45. The liquid container of claim 44, wherein the flexible member is formed of at least two layers and retains liquid between these layers by capillary forces. 45. The liquid container of claim 44, wherein the liquid stored in the reservoir is ink. A liquid storage chamber having a movable member defining at least a portion of the storage space of the liquid, the liquid storage chamber being deformable according to the supply of the liquid to the outside, and having a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid stored therein; A valve chamber in communication with the storage space, the valve chamber having a one-way valve that allows introduction of gas from the outside into the storage space and prevents leakage of liquid and gas from the storage space outward, The liquid storage chamber includes an elastic member for generating the pressing force F1 in a direction of increasing the capacity of the storage space, and pressing means for receiving the pressing force F1 for pressing the movable member in the area S1 with respect to the direction; , The valve chamber includes a valve control member for generating a pressing force F2 for controlling the opening operation of the one-way valve, and a closing member for receiving the pressing force F2 for closing the one-way valve by the action of the pressing force F2 in the region S2. Including, The one-way valve is configured to open to introduce air from the outside, and the pressure caused by the meniscus of the liquid formed in the communication portion communicating between the storage space and the valve chamber when the liquid is present in the communication portion is PM. , The height between the meniscus and the top of the ink in the storage space h, the density of the liquid ρ and the acceleration of gravity g, the negative pressure acting on the valve chamber PV =-(F1 / S1) + hx ρx g + The absolute value of PM is PV ｜> F2 ｜ S2 Liquid container characterized in that to satisfy. 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the capacity of the storage space is reduced with displacement of the movable member caused by the supply of liquid, and the one-way valve is configured to open to introduce gas when the capacity is less than a predetermined value. Liquid container, characterized in that. 55. The liquid container according to claim 54, wherein said formula | PV | <| F2 | / S2 is satisfied in an initial state in which the liquid is filled in the storage space. 56. The method of claim 55, wherein the capacity of the storage space is always smaller than the capacity in its initial state, even if the capacity starts to decrease in the initial state with supply of liquid and becomes smaller than a predetermined value causing the introduction of gas. Characterized by a liquid container. 57. The method of claim 56, wherein the storage space begins to decrease in an initial state with a supply of liquid and becomes smaller than a predetermined value causing introduction of the gas, after which the predetermined amount of storage space is determined regardless of the supply of liquid and the introduction of gas. A liquid container, characterized by maintaining a capacity of value. 54. The liquid container according to claim 53, wherein the dimension of the communication portion is set such that a speed of access of the liquid to the valve chamber by capillary force is greater than an opening speed of the one-way valve. 54. The liquid container according to claim 53, wherein the introduction port for gas from the outside of the valve chamber is located higher in the vertical direction than the valve side end of the communication section in the use posture. 54. The liquid container according to claim 53, wherein the communicating portion is dimensioned so that the liquid as much as the volume of the communicating portion can be held by the meniscus. 54. The liquid container according to claim 53, wherein the communicating portion is set such that the pressure generated by the force for holding the meniscus is less than F2 / S2. The valve chamber of claim 53, wherein the valve chamber is configured to communicate with the storage space in a portion of the liquid storage chamber that holds the introduction gas, | F1 | / S1> | F2 | / S2 When satisfying, the one-way valve is opened to introduce air from the outside. 63. The liquid container according to claim 62, wherein said region S1 is larger than said region S2. 66. The liquid container of claim 63, wherein said elastic member and said valve control member have spring constants K1 and K2, respectively, wherein K2 is greater than K1. 54. The liquid container according to claim 53, wherein the urging means includes a plate urging member for supporting the movable member to be engaged therewith. 54. The liquid container of claim 53, wherein the movable member is formed of a flexible sheet. 54. The valve of claim 53, wherein the one-way valve comprises a flexible seat having an opening for introducing gas in part and a sealing member arranged at a position opposite the opening, wherein the closing means engages with the flexible seat. And a plate-shaped valve closing member having an opening corresponding to the opening described above, for pressing the flexible seat in a direction in which the opening is closed by the sealing member due to the pressing force F2. 54. The liquid container of claim 53, wherein at least one said elastic member and said valve control member are formed of a spring. 54. The liquid container of claim 53, wherein said storage space is sealed to said valve chamber except for communication with said liquid supply port. A movable member defining a storage space for the liquid and displaceable with the supply of the liquid; A liquid supply port for supplying a liquid stored outwardly, A one-way valve having a port capable of introducing gas into the storage space and a sealing member for sealing the port, And the one-way valve is opened to introduce gas when the capacity of the storage space begins to decrease by the displacement of the movable member with the supply of liquid and becomes smaller than a predetermined value. 71. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein said area of the actuation surface of the pressing force is S2, said pressing force is F2, the pressure in said storage space is P1 and the ambient pressure is P for sealing said port, and said capacity is reduced when said capacity is smaller than a predetermined value. One-way valve is open, P-P1> F2 / S2 Liquid container, characterized in that to satisfy. The liquid container according to claim 67, wherein the actuation surface area S2 of the pressing force is larger than the area of the port. A valve chamber equipped with a liquid supply port for supplying the stored liquid outward, and a one-way valve for allowing the introduction of gas from the outside into the storage space and preventing leakage of the liquid and gas from the storage space outward, A liquid container sealed except for the liquid supply port and the one-way valve, Negative pressure generating means for applying a negative pressure from the supply port to the liquid supply; Negative pressure control means for controlling the negative pressure by introducing a gas, And the negative pressure control means function to prevent the discharge caused by the operation of discharging the liquid and gas to the outside thereof. A movable member defining a storage space for the liquid and movable in accordance with the supply of the liquid; A liquid supply port for supplying a liquid stored outwardly, An opening through which gas can be introduced into the storage space; A valve body for sealing the opening; After the capacity of the storage space begins to decrease with the supply of liquid such that the capacity of the storage space becomes lower than a predetermined value causing the introduction of gas from the state in which the storage space is full of liquid, the storage space is related to the supply of liquid and the introduction of gas. And to maintain the dose at a predetermined value without. 75. The method of claim 74, wherein when the maximum capacity of the storage space is Vmax and the predetermined value of the capacity of the storage space when gas is introduced is Vair, Vair ≤ 0.9 x Vmax Liquid container characterized in that to satisfy. 75. The method of claim 74, wherein when the maximum capacity of the storage space is Vmax and the predetermined value of the capacity of the storage space when gas is introduced is Vair, Vair ≤ 0.8 x Vmax Liquid container characterized in that to satisfy. 75. The method of claim 74, wherein when the maximum capacity of the storage space is Vmax and the predetermined value of the capacity of the storage space when gas is introduced is Vair, Vair ≤ 0.7 x Vmax Liquid container characterized in that to satisfy. 75. The method of claim 74, wherein when the maximum capacity of the storage space is Vmax and the predetermined value of the capacity of the storage space when gas is introduced is Vair, Vair ≤ 0.6 x Vmax Liquid container characterized in that to satisfy. 79. A liquid using apparatus, which can be combined with the liquid container according to any one of claims 53 to 78, wherein a liquid supplied from the storage space is used. 71. The liquid container according to any one of claims 53 to 70, wherein said ink as a recording agent is stored as a liquid. A recording apparatus utilizing the liquid container according to claim 80 and performing recording with ink supplied from the storage space. A liquid container according to claim 80, And a recording head capable of ejecting ink from an ink discharge port, wherein the recording head is coupled with the storage space and ink is supplied from the storage space. The liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ink as the recording agent is stored as a liquid. 84. The liquid container of claim 83, wherein the ink comprises a pigment as color material.